Edgar T Shields Sr.

Edgar Thomson Shields, Sr, 92, died on August 8, 2019. The youngest of seven children, he was born and raised in Muncy, Pennsylvania. A World War II Navy veteran, he graduated from Bucknell University in 1951 and moved to Chagrin Falls, where he worked in his field of electrical engineering and technical writing for almost forty years. In 1954, he met Grace Daschbach when both were working backstage at the Chagrin Valley Little Theater.  They were married for sixty beautiful years until her death in 2016. A proud long-time resident of Chagrin Falls, He lived in the house he and Grace bought on Franklin Street in 1960 until he moved to the Atrium of Hamlet Hills last year. He was active in local organizations such as the Federated Church and the Chagrin Falls Historical Society.

Ed had at two passions throughout his later years. After Grace’s diagnosis of dementia, he became active in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease support groups. Also, he began to explore the life and photography of his father, who had been a medical missionary in China from 1908-1915, and who sadly died shortly before Ed was born.

Ed had two philosophies that he felt important for what he saw as his very lucky life. One was the 23rd Psalm, especially the words “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” and “my cup runneth over.” The other was “things happen—if they can be righted, do so, and if not, accept them.”

He is survived by four children, Peggy Klein (Matt) of California, Tom Shields (Claire) of North Carolina, David Shields (Sue) of Florida, and Rick Shields (Chris) of Toronto, Canada, as well as six grandchildren: D.J. (David, Jr.) Shields, Elizabeth (Josh Forgacs) Shields, Sara (Molly) Meade, and Aaron, Lucas, and Eli Klein.

Arrangements are being handled by Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, August 15, from 4-7 PM, and a memorial service Friday, August 16, at 1:00 pm, followed by a family-only graveside service. Both the visitation and service will be at the Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls.

Rather than flowers, as an expression of sympathy, in honor of those who suffer from the disease as well as their caregivers, please donate to research for the cause and cure of dementia, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, or to another charity of your choice

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