Thomas Leon Lonnie Shields, 70, widower of Marianne (Leonard) Shields of 2303 Davis Street passed away, Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

Mr. Shields was born August 10, 1941 in Staunton, a son of the late Robert Thomas Shields, Jr. and Jane Ellen (Fisher) Shields Arbaugh.

Lonnie was in the United States Army and served in the 101st Airborne. He retired in 2005 after fifteen years of service from the City of Staunton, Buildings and Grounds Department where he worked as the crew leader and his prior employment was with Reids Shop and Save Grocery on West Beverley as the Bakery and Deli Manager. He loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the River Ridge Hunt Club.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Charles Arbaugh and a sister, Susan Wilfong.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas A. Shields and his wife Romona and Michael E. Shields; a brother, Robert Edward Shields all of Staunton; and two grandchildren, Matthew A. Shields and Brynn M. Shields and a very special niece, Teresa (Shields) Harris and her daughter Kaitlyn Harris and son Matt Harris also survive.

A Graveside Service with military rites will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011 in Thornrose Cemetery by Pastor Merle Dodson.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

It is suggested those desiring to make memorial contributions to City of Staunton Fire Department, 500 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or to the Staunton/Augusta Rescue Squad, Post Office Box 2566, Staunton, VA 24402.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.