Don T. Shields

Funeral services for Don T. Shields, 83, of Lufkin and Red Oak will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Harold Hancock and Tim Beamon officiating. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Red Oak Cemetery in Red Oak, Texas with Luther Bolenbarker officiating. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Shields Elementary School in Red Oak with Michael Elrod officiating.

Mr. Shields was born September 7, 1928 in Alikchi, Oklahoma to the late Duncan A. and Lyda (Craddock) Shields, and died Thursday, March 29, 2012 at his residence.

Mr. Shields served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1952, and was a civilian instructor for the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1957. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeastern State College, Masters of Education from West Texas State University, and did his graduate work at North Texas State University and Oklahoma University.

Mr. Shields spent his career and life supporting public education. He taught school in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas from 1957-1963. In 1964 he began his career as School Superintendent in Thackerville, Oklahoma. In 1966 he became Superintendent of Red Oak ISD, and in 1980 he became Superintendent of Dallas County Schools. He retired in 1994.

Mr. Shields had served as President of the North Texas School Administrators, was a member of the Ellis County Teachers Association and a life member of the Texas PTA. Some of his many achievements include the Don Shields Elementary School in the Red Oak ISD, the Don Shields Service Center of Dallas County Schools, the expansion of Dallas County Schools and the Red Oak Bond Election.

Mr. Shields enjoyed playing dominos, speaking to public groups, and spending time with friends and family. He lived with a positive attitude, always had a smile on his face, and he never met a stranger. Mr. Shields always had advice to share, always asked about the well-being of others, and was respected by the community. He was a member of the Timberland Drive Church of Christ and he loved to share the Gospel.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Harrison Shields of Lufkin; daughter, Karla Shields of Red Oak; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Don and Joanne Shields of Mesquite; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Patrick Patlan, Sr. of Corinth; stepdaughters and son-in-law, Melanie and Rody Willis of Klein, Monica Harrison of Denton and Michele Harrison of Spring; grandchildren and spouses, Geoffrey and Becca Shields, Ryan and Elizabeth Smith, Derek and Brittany Smith, Jon Dylan Shields, Jenna Shields, Nicole Patlan, Patrick Patlan, Jr., Ashley Willis, and Kendall Willis; great-grandson, Jameson Shields; three nieces; and one nephew.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Shields was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria Shields; and sister, Sue Burdette.

Pallbearers will be Geoff Shields, Ryan Smith, Derek Smith, Jon Dylan Shields, Patrick Patlan, Jr., Kendall Willis, and Jameson Shields.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Luke Slatter Memorial Scholarship at Hudson ISD, 6735 Ted Trout Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904, the Timberland Drive Church of Christ Library Fund, 912 South Timberland Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901, the Red Oak ISD Educational Foundation, or the Shields Elementary PTA, P.O. Box 9000, Red Oak, Texas 75154.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.