Shields

Larry Shields was born Feb. 4, 1944, in Camden, Arkansas, to Norma Jo and Bennie Shields. He passed away in Boerne on Jan. 28, 2024, at the age of 79.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vaneda Anderson Shields; two sons, Michael Shane Shields and wife, Theresa, of Helotes, Texas, and Joshua Paul Shields and wife, Heather, of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren, Kaitlin Shields Maurice (Garret), Thomas Michael Shields (Jennifer), Megan Shields Capturo (Robert), Jacob Shields and Ben Shields; his brother, Ronnie Shields and wife, Jaqueline, of Wichita Falls; his nephew, Bennie; and his nieces, Amanda and Brandi.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bennie Shields.

Larry attended Wichita Falls Senior High School and was All-American in football. Larry’s team went to the state championship three years in a row, winning in 1961.

He received All-State, All-Southern and All-American awards his senior year. He played football on scholarship at Oklahoma University.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Vaneda Anderson, in 1964. He then served in the Texas National Guard. Afterward, he started his pilot career in Mineral Wells, Texas, and was a helicopter instructor during the Vietnam War.

He then went into fixed wing where he flew for Steve Gose, who moved the family to San Antonio. Larry flew numerous types of aircraft and eventually retired from Southwest Airlines.

Even though Larry accomplished many things in his lifetime, his proudest achievement was overcoming his demons and stopping his drinking cold turkey on his own and remaining sober. He always said nothing good ever happened while he was drinking.

Larry was a Christian who loved the Lord, reading his Bible, going to church and thanking God for his family and many blessings. He always had a smile and a helping hand for others. He had many friends that he dearly loved and who loved him.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 10, 2024, at Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home with the funeral service starting at 2 p.m. A graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at: t2t.org. To leave condolences for the family and view a video of Larry’s life, please visit: www.ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.