Harold Joseph Shields, Jr.

SANTA FE – We celebrate the life of Harold Joseph Shields, Jr., also known as “Sonny” to his friends and family from youth, “Daddio” to his 6 children, “Papa Truck” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, the “Windy City Cowboy” from his truck driving days, and “Harry” to everyone else. He peacefully passed from this life Sunday, March 9, 2025, surrounded and loved by his family in Santa Fe, Texas.

Born February 21, 1940, in Chicago, Harry was a recent resident of Santa Fe, but previously a 40-year resident of Bacliff. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, a skilled truck driver, and a craftsman who could build just about anything, Harry lived a life defined by hard work and dedication. Whether behind the wheel, in the workshop, or planting trees to share the beauty with his neighbors, his hands were always busy. Harry served his country from 1957–1960 but was a longtime member of the VFW Post 8566. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of retirement spent sitting on the porch, working on crossword puzzles, and looking forward to family visits. He was a man who lived a life on his terms, ready to help anyone, and loved his family. He will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Joseph Shields, Sr. and Lucy Mildred (Hunt) Lynch; and younger brother, James Shields.

Survivors include his daughters, Michele Sender and husband, Pablo of Ojai, California, Denise Prince and husband, Ramon of Santa Fe, Tina Shields of Aurora, Colorado; sons, Scott Shields of Seabrook, Sam Shields and Bree Bolden of Alexandria, Virginia, Jesse Shields of Bacliff; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

So, Daddio ... we thank you for always reminding us to “ask and we shall receive.” It is with a “big 10-4, good buddy" that we will keep you in our hearts as you “keep on truckin'!” in that highway in the sky.

Graveside services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, with Deacon Alvin Lovelady officiating.

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Harry’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, www.stjude.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold Joseph Shields, Jr., please visit our floral store.