Ivan Shields

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Ivan Louis Shields, born January 3, 1965, left this world for his Heavenly home on December 21st, 2016 after a short illness.

Ivan was a loving and kind-hearted, selfless person who would go without just so others could have what they needed. He loved children and “oh, my, how they loved him”. He had a kid’s heart and loved nothing more than taking them for rides on the Gator or to the creek to jump in and swim. He was an avid fisherman who loved teaching his family how to fish and, of course, he said he always caught the most and the biggest. He loved tinkering around the farm, working on cars and small engines, with a “cold one” in his hand. He loved helping his mother and family out with anything that needed repair. He was our “handyman”. Often times he would do work for those who couldn’t afford to pay.

Ivan’s passion was welding. He was a master welder for 30 years and an administrator on several welding sites, where he would mentor and inspire young welders. Ivan’s kind heart was shown by acts of kindness, such as growing out his thick blonde hair and donating it to “Locks of Love”.

Ivan was a jokester and would light the room up when he walked in. His laugh and smile were contagious and, anyone who knew him, knew he was as ornery as they come. Ivan absolutely cherished his family and friends; they were his world.

Ivan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Nancy Shields, and his father Danny Stillions.

Ivan is survived by his mother Shirley Stillions of Carthage, sisters Elizabeth Shields and Donna Kelley of Carthage, sister Nancy Smith of Bentonville, Arkansas, two step-brothers Lloyd and Kevin Busker of Diamond and step-sister Lena McBride of Diamond and two beloved children John and Sarah Shields of Neosho, who were his heart and soul. Ivan had ten grandchildren, who he loved to play with and send funny videos to. He had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, who he was very proud of. Ivan will be greatly missed and thought of daily until we meet him in our Lord and Savior’s home.

Please join us at a memorial celebration of Ivan’s life at 2:00 p.m. on January 7, 2017 at Real Pro Realty, 432 West Fir Road, Carthage, Missouri.