12/11/2008

Joseph W. Shields

December 6, 2008

OFDA received notification that Joseph W. Shields, age 95, founder of Shields Funeral Home, Forest, Ohio, died on Saturday, December 6, 2008. He was born Dec. 2, 1913 in Forest, Ohio to the late Harvey D. and Lenora (Blue) Shields. He married Frances E. Hune on June 20, 1937 and she preceded him in death on November 10, 2003.

Mr. Shields is survived by a son, William H. (Patricia) Shields, Forest, Ohio a daughter, Patricia J. (Ron) Cook, Findlay, Ohio, 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and was preceded in death by a brother, Halbert D. Shields.

Mr. Shields was a 1931 graduate of Forest High School and was a member of Forest Alumni Assoc. He attended Ohio Weslyan University where he was a member of the marching band. He then attended Cleveland College of Mortuary Science. He founded Shields Funeral Home in 1935. He was a member of Forest United Methodist Church where he taught the high school Sunday School class for over 50 years, directed the church choir for many years and was a former associate lay leader of the West Ohio United Methodist Conference, he was a lay delegate representing Forest United Methodist Church at the West Ohio Annual Conference, Lakeside, Ohio. Former Lima District United Methodist Lay Speaker and spoke in over 75 churches. While living in Findlay he attended St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Joseph served on the Board of Directors of the Community 1st Bank, N.A. from 1964-1979. Chairman of the 1954 Forest Centennial Pageant. The 1982 Tree Town Festival Parade Grand Marshall with his wife, Fran. He was a charter member and past president of Forest Lions Club. He was a member and past Master of Senate Lodge F. & A.M. #378, Forest, Ohio, past patron & member of former Senate Chapter #70 O.E.S., Forest, Ohio, past Noble Grand & member of former I.O.O.F. #363, Forest, Ohio, 32nd Degree mason & a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton, Canton, Ohio. He was past President of the Forest Businessmen's Assoc., member of Forest-Jackson Board of Education for 10 years, Hardin Co. Board of Education for 15 years and Hardin Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees for 15 years, Kenton, Ohio.

Visitation: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 - 2-8 p.m., Clark Shields Funeral Home

Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m. - Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, Forest United Methodist Church,

Burial: Hueston Cemetery

Memorial contributions: Forest United Methodist Church or Forest Jackson Library in care of Clark Shields Funeral Home, 301 S. Patterson St. Forest, OH.

To extend a condolence, share a memory or view the life tribute video visit: www.shieldsfh.com.