Ralph Eugene Shields' Obituary
Ralph Eugene "Gene" Shields, age 92, of Yale, IL formerly of Mattoon, IL passed away at 6:38 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon, IL. He was born July 1, 1932 in Charleston, IL, the son of Ralph Craig Shields and Hazel Dean (Gordon) Shields. He married Betty Louise Tipsword on November 5, 1955 in Corinth, MS. Together Gene and Betty had five beautiful children before her passing at the age of twenty-seven on October 5, 1964. Gene later married Mary E. Dryden on December 6, 1978 in Paris, IL, they shared forty-six years of marriage before her passing on December 1, 2024.
Ralph is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955. He worked many years for the local labor union out of Mattoon, IL and Decatur, IL. In earlier years, he worked for the Casey Ettelbrick Shoe Company and Pure Oil Company. Ralph attended the Apostolic Center Church, Mattoon, IL were he greatly enjoyed attending the men's group. He was a gentle soul, enjoying camping and fishing. Ralph cherished the smiles of all his grandchildren. He was a true joy with his hearty laugh, agreeable disposition and kind nature.
Survivors include his daughters, Cheryl Ann James of Mattoon, IL, Sandra Kaye Ogden of Paducah, KY and Betty Jean Coleman (Roy) of Yale, IL; stepchildren, Richard "Rick" King (Dona), Judy Ellis (Bert), John King (Baby) and Robert Giroux; grandchildren, Chris James, Eric James, Aaron James, Michael James, Adam Shields, Andy Shields, Jason Coleman (Jan), Mellissa Hawes (Lang), April Hagen (Lee), Erica Roberts (Josh), Alisha Shields, Craig Shields, Scott Beeson, Nicole Phillips, Jamie Fincher, twenty-five great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, thirty-seven step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; nephew, Ralph Shields; and nieces, Tina Shields, Kathy Washburn and Desiree Shields. He was preceded in death by his parents and wives; twin sons, John David Shields and James Daniel Shields; stepdaughter, Dawn Giroux; siblings, Alva Dean Shields, Max Shields and Patricia Shonk; sisters-in-law, Vivian Shields, Terri Shields and Mae Brown; brothers-in-law, Hughes Shonk and Walter Brown; and niece, Latricia Shonk.
Graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Grant Cemetery, Hutton Township, Coles Co., IL.
Memorial donations may be made to the Grant Cemetery Fund c/o Markwell Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Casey, IL 62420.
The family expresses special thanks to the caring staff of Cumberland Rehabilitation and Health Care and Willow Breese Hospice House.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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