Reverend Richard W. Shields, 77, of Hollidaysburg, a United Methodist elder who served 41 years in ministry before retiring in 2001, died Thursday, November 3, 2016, at Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring, after a lengthy illness.
Richard was born September 17, 1939, in Ellwood City, son of the late George J. and Jenevie (Kirchner) Shields. On July 24, 1965, he married Susan Myers at Bare Memorial Church of God, Roaring Spring.
Surviving are his wife, daughters Elizabeth Patrick of Moon Township, Pa., and Katherine Shields of Pittsburgh; grandchildren Jessica Patrick of Johnstown, and Nathan Patrick of Moon Township, Pa.; great-granddaughter Braylin; sister Donna Vaughn (Robert) of Ashevllle, N.C.; brother Patrick Shields (Lois) of North Salt Lake, Utah; sister-in-law Sarah Zeek (David) of Hollidaysburg, and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Richard graduated from Freedom High School in Freedom, in 1957, and attended Geneva College, Beaver Falls, then graduated from Indiana State College in Jan., 1963, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a Social Studies emphasis. While attending college, he served as student pastor of the Marchand/North Point Charge of the Evangelical United Brethren Church. He graduated from United Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, in June of 1968 with a Master of Divinity degree and, in the same year, was ordained as an elder in Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB).
After the merger of the EUB and Methodist Churches, also in 1968, Richard served as pastor of United Methodist churches in the Western PA Conference, including Heckathorn Church, Seneca; First in Smethport; Kane UMC; Bethany in Latrobe; and Mount Pleasant UMC. He retired in 2001 after 41 years of ministry.
After retiring, Richard enjoyed traveling, especially to Sun City, Ariz., Telluride, Colo., and especially Topsail Island, N.C. Spending time with family, playing board games, computer games and reading were other favorite pastimes.
Friends were received Sunday, November 6, 2016, at First United Methodist Church in Hollidaysburg. A funeral service was held Monday, November 7, 2016, at the church with Pastors John Godissart and Grace Marie Ransom officiating. A committal service was held immediately after at Greenlawn Cemetery, Roaring Spring. Arrangements were by Sorge Funeral Home Inc., Hollidaysburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 801 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.