Funeral services for longtime Dolores resident Robert Lyle Shields were held on Wednesday, June 12, at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Pastor Neely Lewis officiated.
Interment followed at Goodman Point Cemetery with military honors being conducted by Ute Mountain American Legion Post No. 75.
Bob, or "Cowboy Bob," as he was known to his friends, was born May 31, 1925, to Elmer Clarence and Laura Belle (Walker) Shields at Goodman Point, Colo. He passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Durango on Friday, June 7, 2013. Bob had just celebrated his 88th birthday.
During World War II, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force after receiving the news that his brother Luther was missing in action. Bob was discharged honorably after serving two years as a cryptologist and air traffic controller. He married Barbara Ruth Jones on June 24, 1948. The couple homesteaded 640 acres on Goodman Point, raising dryland beans and their children until selling the farm and moving to Dolores. Bob spent many years as an over the road trucker.
Music was a favorite pastime of Bob's whether playing by himself or with many of his friends. Dolores River Line Camp, north of Dolores, was a fulfillment of one of Bob's lifelong dreams. Built with hard work of family and friends, many musicians shared their music there from 1988 to 1996.
Surviving Bob are his children, Donna Howe of Olathe, Colo., Ricky Shields and wife, Kathy of Dolores, Teresa Black of Yuma, Ariz., and Krista Lewis and husband, Neely of Cortez; 10 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Lova Peltier of Louisiana; and his brother, Luther Shields of Cortez. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Laura Shields; his wife, Barbara Shields; and his brother, Bryce Shields.
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
