Richard Larry “Dick” Shields, 89 of Russell, Kansas died Friday evening, February 14, 2014 at Main Street Manor in Russell.

Dick was born November 22, 1924 in El Dorado, Kansas the son of R.H. “Dick” and Mabel (Mosier) Shields.  He grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Corp during WWII.  He was a 2nd Lieutenant and pilot of a B-17.  After the war, he attended  the University of Kansas where he graduated as a Petroleum Geologist in 1948.

Dick was united in marriage to Patricia Gore on October 7, 1945.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Sue and Lynn.  Patricia preceded  him in death on March 9, 1996.  Dick was united in marriage to Geraldine Lennox on October 1, 1996.

In 1949, Dick joined Shields Oil Producers as a partner with his brother Robert.  Together, they formed Shields Drilling Company in 1950.  Dick served as Exploration Manager and Vice-President of both firms until Robert’s death in 1973 when he took over as President and General Manager.

Dick was a member of the American Assoc. of Petroleum Geologists, Kansas Geological Society, Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Assoc. Past Director and Executive Board, Past Director of Independent Petroleum Assoc. of America, Russell Chamber of Commerce, 1st Congregational Church, International Assoc. of Drilling Contractors, Russell School Board Dist. 5, City of Russell Planning Commission, Masonic Lodge, Consistory and Shrine, Director of Elks Lodge Building, Life member of American Legion Post #99, Life member of Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, University of Kansas Geology Assoc. Board, Chancellors Club and Williams Fund, Oil Patch Museum Board, American Geological Institute, West Central Kansas Assoc. and Russell Regional Hospital Board.  He was elected to the Kansas Oil & Gas Pioneer Hall of Fame in 1992.  He was very active in community civic activities, tending his garden and playing golf.

Surviving family include his wife of 17 years, Jerry of the home; two daughters, Sue Watson (Kurt) of Andover, Kansas and Lynn Johnston of Wichita, Kansas; step daughter, Katherine Lennox of Chicago, Illinois; five grandchildren, Crystal Johnston, Christopher Johnston (Laura), Casey Meinhardt (Grant), Kelly Muther (Peter) and Brett Watson (Claire); and 11 great grandchildren.  He was preceded  in death by his parents, wife Patti, brother , Robert Shields and sister,  Maxine Burton.

Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where the Russell V.F. W. Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.