Elbert Dewayne Shields' Obituary
Elbert Dewayne Shields was welcomed into heaven on June 19, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 18, 1936, in Collin County, Texas, to Elbert Lee and Naomi Shields.
Dewayne was raised in the East Grand area of Dallas and was led to the Lord as a teenager. He attended Dallas schools in South Oak Cliff, where he met and fell in love with his wife of 69 years, Louise. Later, Dewayne would take college courses, GMC courses, and serve a five-year apprenticeship in newspaper printing. He worked at The Dallas Times Herald, The Dallas Morning News, and The Wall Street Journal, where he excelled in color printing during this time. In fact, he was one of the first pressman to run color ink in The Wall Street Journal when they introduced color ads. He was proud to be a pressman. Dewayne began each day with a cup of coffee and his newspaper, glasses over his big blue eyes, and a big smile when Louise joined him in the kitchen.
Dewayne served eight years in the Naval Air Reserve at the Naval Air Station Dallas. He was an Aviation Machinist Mate, working on and maintaining aircraft. He was proud to be a sailor and proud to serve his country. He was honorably discharged in 1963.
As a youth, Dewayne enjoyed playing high school and church baseball. He later played on a company-sponsored baseball team at The Dallas Times Herald. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing with his sons, Ronald and Mark. He loved playing a good round of golf with his group of close friends. He also spent many hours camping with Louise and friends. Dewayne, or Papaw as the grandchildren affectionately called him, loved celebrating holidays with his family. Christmas was his favorite.
Dewayne was a longtime member of Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church and especially enjoyed his Bible Study group. He had a passion for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He was an amazing storyteller. One of his favorite things was to share stories with them of his youth in the East Dallas area where he grew up. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, and he loved the Lord. He was full of life and had the best laugh. Dewayne will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Lee and Naomi Shields; beloved sister, Edna Ruth Maloney; brother-in-law, Roy Maloney; and nephew, Lee Roy Maloney.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Louise Shields; son, Ronald Shields; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Melissa Shields; grandchildren, Ryan Shields; Dr. Marina Garcia and Armando Garcia, Morgan Shields, Mitchell Shields, and Margeaux Shields; his precious great-granddaughter, Ellisyn Ruth Garcia; brother-in-law, Larry Wyrick; nephew, Christopher Wyrick; and niece, Kristi Stevens.
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