Fred C. Shields

Age 76, of Minerva, died Saturday, March 18, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family.  He was born April 5, 1946 in New Franklin to Raymond Shields and Sylvia (Miller) (Shields) Kast. He was an automotive parts manager for Loudon Ford, Bailey Ford and Napa for many years.  He is a member of the Minerva First Christian Church where he was a former deacon.  He was the past president of the Minerva Park Board and member of the Stark County Park Boards for several years.  He also drove bus for the Minerva Local School District and was treasurer for the Minerva Area Salvation Army.  He graduated from Minerva High School in 1964 and was a Staff Sergeant for the US Army National Guard for 12 years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deborah (Smith) Shields whom he married July 27, 1968, 2 daughters, Jennifer (Randy) Jones of Minerva, Joanna Warner of Columbus, sister, Estelle Hayes of Sarasota, FL, 8 grandchildren, Jacquelyn Canonico of Akron, Matthew Jones of Minerva, Samantha (Dakota) Hudy of Paris, Cameron (Sophia Passarinho) Canonico of Columbus, Tiffany Jones of Chicago, IL, Juliann (Connor) Lewis of Lawton, OK, Christian (Sophia Testa) Canonico of Akron, Harper Warner and 2 great grandchildren, Addilyn Hudy and Logan Lewis and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by 2 sisters, Louise VanHorn, Alice Raymond and a brother, Wilbur "Bill" Shields.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Minerva First Christian Church with Mr. Jason Jackson officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  Calling hours will be Tuesday 5-8 pm in the Minerva First Christian Church.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Village of Minerva to plant a tree in Fred's memory in the Minerva Bicentennial Park.