Thomas E. Shields

Lima - Thomas E. Shields, 79, of Vero Beach, Fla., and formerly of Lima, died the morning of Dec. 3, at his residence.

He was born Jan. 15, 1930, in Lima to John and Alvena Shields, who preceded him in death. In 1951, he married Thelma Helser, who survives.

Mr. Shields attended Mercersberg Academy in Pennsylvania and graduated from Ohio University. He started with Superior Coach Corp. in 1946 and in 1973 he went to Kosciusko, Miss., where he opened Tommy Shields Ford Mercury.  He then moved to Vero Beach, Fla. and became a successful CFP managing many large trusts.

He lived a very full active life involved in numerous charitable organizations touching the lives of the needy and everyone he met. His churches, First Presbyterian of Vero Beach and Fairfield Mountain Chapels were dearest to his heart. He was involved in and chairman of United Way as well as the St Rita’s Medical Center Board for many years in Lima.

Tom was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and was a proud member of the MOAA in Vero Beach. He enjoyed driving for Meals on Wheels and volunteering for Mended Hearts in Vero. He was a member of Rumbling Bald Country Club and The Mooring Club in Vero Beach.

He went home to be with the Lord Dec. 3.

Survivors also include a son Thomas II, of Tallahassee, Fla., two daughters, Susan Aleshire, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Elizabeth Woods, of Clinton, Miss., eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, a brother, John Shields II, of Ponte Vedra, Fla., and a sister, Patricia Berryhill of Brandon, Miss.

A graveside service in Lima for family is to be scheduled at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.