Larry Joe Shields, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2020 at
BelMar of Oakland in Troy, MI.
Larry is survived by his wife, Melanie (Metcalf) Shields; his children, Heather Shields
Anike and Dr. Paul Anike of Lima, OH, Christopher Shields of Warren, MI and
Sarah Shields of Rochester Hills, MI; and his two granddaughters, Olivia Anike and Gabriella Anike of Lima, OH; and was awaiting his third granddaughter on the way,
Violet Shields Possebon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Ruth Shields; and siblings, Paul Shields, Jane Williams, George Shields, Martha Gannon and William Shields.
Born in Monrovia, IN on January 12, 1941 to Ruth and Clair Shields, he was the youngest of six children. He grew up in Monrovia, attending Monrovia High School where he excelled at academics and basketball. Larry then attended Indiana University where he studied Education and played basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. In 1965, he moved to Imlay City, MI and accepted a position as a high school science teacher. It was there that he met his wife, Melanie Ann Metcalf, and they were married in 1966 and they would have three children, Heather,
Christopher and Sarah.
Larry taught numerous students and various courses in science with his favorite class being Earth Science, instructing students on the constellations, geology, as well as meteorological phenomena. He imparted his love for the world around us to his students and children, always enthusiastically inspiring us to be our best.
Larry coached many different sports at Imlay City High School, most notably the boys’ varsity basketball team. He taught and coached for more than 25 years. After retiring, he and Melanie moved to Lima, OH where he
became an active member of the community and enjoyed golfing and spending time with his two grandchildren, Olivia and Gabriella Anike. Larry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he loved life and always strove to live it to the fullest. Larry was a friend to all, and never knew a stranger.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. officiated by his nephew, Pastor Terry Shields. Graveside services will
follow.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.
Arrangements were made by Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City.
Please be sure to sign the online register at muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Shields family.
