Clarence Shields Jr.

Clarence Shields, Jr., M.D., expired Aug. 23, 2006 from renal cancer, while in the loving arms of his family. He was born to Clarence (Pete) & Ola Shields on Nov. 3, 1926 in Altus, OK. He grew up and attended school in Altus. After graduating from H.S. in May of 1944, he entered the US Navy and served in the Pacific Theater of War during WWII (Okinawa 1945-46). After discharge from the Navy, he married Ann McNeill and from this marriage were born 3 children: John Michael, Shane & Kim. Shane & Kim died at birth. Clarence operated his own commercial air conditioning and refrigeration business in Altus, OK until 1956. In 1954, he was accepted into the Masonic Blue Lodge #62 in Altus, OK. He received his 50 yr. membership pin in 2004. In Sept. of 1956, Clarence decided to pursue a medical education and attended Southwestern OK State Univ. at Weatherford, OK until June 1959. He began his medical studies in Sept. 1959, having graduated from the Univ. of Okla. Medical School in 1963. He served his 1 yr. rotating internship Mercy Hosp. in OKC, from 1963-64 and his 1 yr. general surgical residency at Mercy Hosp. from July 1964-June 31, 1965. Entering private medical practice in July 1965 in Altus, OK and 1 yr. later moved his practice to OKC, where he practiced until 1994. He sold his medical practice to Deaconess Health Care Corp. in Feb. 1993. During his time as a practicing physician, he served as a staff member of Deaconess, Mercy, St. Anthony and Baptist Hospitals and as a member of OK Co., OK State & American Medical Societies. Also a member of local, state and American Academy of Family Practice, a fellow in the American Academy of Family Practice, Clarence was a certified diplomate from 1977-1992 in Family Practice. Having served as chairman of the Dept. of Family Practice at Mercy Hospital and Chief of Deaconess Hospital Practicing Physicians Assoc., Clarence also practiced part-time for approx. 2 yrs. at Choctaw Medical Hosp. in Talihina, OK. He was preceded in death by his second wife. In Aug. 1993, he married Patricia (Green) Nash and together retired in Aug. 1994, to their farm in SE OK, where they operated their own farm & portable sawmill business, while enjoying the wildlife & fishing in SE OK. Due to multiple health problems, they sold their farm in SE OK and moved back to OKC to be near their doctors & hospitals. Clarence is survived by his wife, Patricia of OKC; sister, Velma Robison of Altus, OK; Son, John Michael Shields of Norman, OK; Step-Daughters: Niki Lynne Nash and Keeli Dawn Corcoran, both of OKC; Grandchildren: Robyn Michelle Hays & husband, Nicholas of Edmond, OK, Amy Cathleen Shields & fiancée James Landrum of Austin, TX, Kristen White & husband, Tommy of MWC, Dustin Corcoran of OKC; Great Grandsons: Troy Nicholas Hays of Edmond, OK and Aidan Marcus White of MWC; Sister-inlaw, Carolyn Brum & husband, Paul of OKC; and his 'girls from the office': Mary, Joyce, Mary Alice & Teresa; Numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins. Clarence traced his Shields family tree to the early 1700s in Ireland. He also loved trains and woodworking. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. James Hampton & Judy & Clarence's wonderful hospice team for their exceptional care, so he could stay at home and also Julie, Cathy & Chaplain Elza Boldman, who will preside over the service. The family will greet friends for viewing & visitation from 7-8:30 PM Friday evening at the funeral home. Services to celebrate his life will be held 10:00 AM Sat. Aug. 26, 2006 at the South Colonial Chapel. Committal services follow at 3:00 PM at the Altus City Cem. in Altus, OK with a Masonic Committal Service.