John Shields' Obituary
John Edward Shields, age 73, of Sparta, IL, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 5:15 p.m. at his daughter's home in Pinckneyville, IL. John was born on September 9, 1943 in Canton, IL, a son to Edward and Violet (Bricker) Shields. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp having attained the rank of Sergeant. On May 21, 1971, he married Billie Bloyd in Bryant, IL and she survives. He had attended the Lutheran Church, Red Bud, IL. In his lifetime, John had worked as a coal miner at Consolidation Coal Company and then as a trainer at Gilster Mary Lee. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid Cardinal Baseball Fan and loved following his grandchildren's sports and activities. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Billie Shields of Sparta, IL; four daughters, Teresa (Todd) Moore of Percy, IL, Mindi (Don) Bremer of Red Bud, IL, Sherry (Joe) Yearian of Pinckneyville, IL and Samantha Inselman (Matthew Sommer) of Freeburg, IL; a brother, Larry (Po) Shields of Olympia, WA; nine grandchildren, Crystal Vogel, Hannah Hill, Brandan Renner, Joshua Bremer, Gabriel Yearian, Seth Berry, Noah Yearian, Gavin Inselman and Owen Inselman; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, Sparta, IL on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Tim Gregory officiating. Interment will be on a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lewistown, IL. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the VA, Marion, IL. Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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