Denis Francis Sheils

Retired Lt. Col. Denis Francis Sheils, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 14, 2016, in Bedford. Born in Carrickasticken, Ireland on April 9, 1922, Denis immigrated to America at the age of 13 with his brother Michael. He was raised by his uncle, Michael "Mac" O'Hare, and wife, aunt Nelly, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Catholic High School in 1941.

In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific theater of World War II. He participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands, D-Day at Okinawa, and the liberation of the Ryukyu Islands. He fought in the Korean War and later participated in the occupation of Korea in 1945. He began his second tour of active duty in 1947 and was commissioned on December 17, 1948. In 1969, he was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam where he served as the operations officer of the 68th Medical Group. After his tour in Vietnam, Denis was assigned as troop commander, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, a position he held until retirement. While serving his country, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), National Defense Service Medal with oakleaf cluster, Philippine Liberation Medal with one battle star, Korean Service Medal with three battle stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10-year device, United Nations Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Denis married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Young, in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He lived in San Antonio for over 30 years before moving to Colleyville to live with his son, Michael and family in 1994. Affectionately known as "PopPop," "Granddaddy" and "Pops," Denis was a role model to many, honorary father and grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met. He was always the life of the party, told the best stories and lit up any room that he walked into. He was a member of the American Legion Post 379 and an avid Texas Rangers Fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denis and Bridget; his wife, Elizabeth; brother, James; and sister, Mary.

Survivors: Denis leaves behind sons, Dennis (Kathy) and Michael (Sandra); grandchildren, Michael, Amanda, Jenny, Amy, Sara, Lauren, Ryan, Timothy and Matthew; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Michael, Peter and Patrick; and many other family members on the East Coast, in England and in Ireland.