Roger Deane Shields

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jo, and three sons, Perry of Mesa, Arizona, Damon, of Bailey, Colorado, and Jeffrey, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, five grandchildren, four great grandkids, and one great-great grandkid. His youngest child, a daughter, Marta, preceded him in death at the tender age of 19.

He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa to Carl and Lila (Bull) Shields and had three brothers, Carl, Claude, Max, and two sisters, Claire, and JoAnne. At 13, his father passed away and Roger had to begin working, along with going to school until he graduated high school. He always sent money home to help out. In 1954 he enlisted in the Air Force.

After meeting Jo at a USO dance in April of 1955, they married just 4 months later. Over the next 22+ years, he completed Officers Candidate School and became a fighter pilot, flew the F-100 in Vietnam, was second in his class at Fighter Weapons School, flew the F-104 and taught pilots from Germany how to use that airplane to its fullest. He earned many medals for his flying ability along the way. At one point he was also invited to be a pilot with the Thunderbirds.

While in the military, Roger and Jo raised four children while also moving to numerous locations, residing in 26 different homes over the years. They retired to Monument, Colorado in 1977 to be close to Jos’ brothers and sisters whom he considered his close friends.

After a short time as a land real estate agent, he decided to pursue a career in his other passion in life, golf. As a PGA professional, he was a pro at The Broadmoor Country Club, The Pinery, in Parker, Co, and Colorado Springs Country Club. He also coached the UCCS golf team in the early 2000s. He finished his golf career teaching individuals at the Air Force Academy Eisenhower Golf Course.

Roger enjoyed playing billiards and became one of the top-rated players in Colorado. He enjoyed it enough to have a professional-grade table put in his basement so he could stay sharp.

Roger could be gruff sometimes but, he truly had a heart for people. He will be missed greatly by his wife, family, and members of his church where he served as a deacon for many years. He will be interred at Ft. Logan National Cemetery where his daughter is already laid to rest.