Leo “Bud” Francis Shields

Leo “Bud” Francis Shields of Fernwood, Mississippi, formerly of Merrill

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Monday, August 7, 2023, at his home in Fernwood, Mississippi. He was 84 years old. Leo Francis Shields was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on June 28, 1939, to the late Leo Henry and Margaret (Maturen) Shields. He was a 1957 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, Bud proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from February 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1961. While on military leave, he met the love of his life, Cynthia T. Siler, on a blind date. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 13, 1962; she survives him. Bud was employed with Saginaw Steering Gear and retired after 30 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of his lifetime, and one he truly treasured and cherished, was to be the most loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather he could be. Bud was a longtime and faithful member of St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He and Cindy raised his family within the Merrill Community, and in 2012, they relocated to Fernwood, Mississippi. Bud loved to build and collect his G Scale “garden” trains. He used his gifts as a carpenter, as well as his intricate eye for detail, to build, create, and design all their homes. Bud also collected rocks and stones and used these throughout his train garden. Bud’s little piece of heaven was spending time gardening, growing the most beautiful lilies, roses, and irises. They enjoyed traveling together to Florida, New Mexico, and Missouri. He loved raising animals, especially rabbits and quails, and throughout his life he enjoyed hunting and fishing on Sanford Lake. Bud will forever be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his innate ability to communicate and make friends with all people, for playing the accordion like no other, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful stories and memories.

Surviving are his wife, Cindy Shields of Fernwood, MS; four children: Sheri Shields of Bay City; Leann Griffiths of Pigeon Forge, TN; Kirt Francis (Melissa) Shields of Saginaw; Angela Harvey and her fiancé, Jonathan McCaa of McComb, MS; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a brother, Larry “Oz” (Connie) Shield of Shields. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Margaret Shields.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 419 South Midland Street, Merrill. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. will officiate. Military Honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Hemlock under the auspices of the United States Air Force and American Legion Post 22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Street on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.