Harley L. Shields, 87, of Parsons, died at 10:20 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2022 at his home. He had been in failing health.
He was born September 8, 1934, at rural Dennis, to Harlan and Pearl (Drummond) Shields. He grew up in the Dennis area and attended Maple Valley and Whittier country schools. For three years he attended Galesburg High School and graduated from Parsons High School in 1953. He attended Parsons Junior College for a short time.
After high school he worked at the Hoke’s Service Station and briefly for the M-K-T Railroad. From March of 1957 to January of 1959 he served in the United States Army, stationed 15 months in Germany.
Harley resumed his railroad work after being discharged from military service and worked for the M-K-T 35 years until retirement.
He attended the former Washington Avenue Methodist Church and later the Wesley United Methodist Church. He was a charter instructor of the Kansas Hunter Education for many years. He enjoyed working with 4-H youth and working with tractors and participating in the Farm Heritage events and Katy Days.
On June 11, 1956 he and Sallye Stevens were married in Parsons. They observed their 66th anniversary in June. Sallye survives of the home. Also surviving are three children, Brad Shields (Jeannette) of Parsons, Steven Shields (Rhonda) of Lamar, MO, and Tammy Roth (Dan) of Independence; eight grandchildren, Ashliegh Shields of Coffeyville, Amanda Lowe (Hunter) of Parsons, Alyssa Shields of Parsons, Jacob Shields of Rolla, MO, Morgan Shields and Katie Shields, both of Lamar, MO, Kenny Roth and Karma Roth, both of Independence; a brother, Bill Shields (Madolyn) of Parsons, and a sister-in-law, Kay Shields of Parsons.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Everett Shields (and his wife Sylvia), Wayne Shields and infant John Shields.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, with Rev. Taud Boatman officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors given by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday. Memorials are suggested to the Wesley United Methodist Church or the Brown-Bishop Post # 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. The Carson-Wall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.