Joel Edward Shields

Joel Edward Shields, 79, of St. George, Utah, returned to his heavenly home on September 28, 2024, due to natural causes. Ed was born on March 28, 1945, in Provo, Utah, to Alma Budd and Eloyse Ellen Stanton Shields.

He graduated from Provo High School in 1963 and continued his education at trade school, where he mastered the craft of sheet metal.

On September 17, 1965, Ed married Ora Grace Gourdin in Orem, Utah. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised five children: Tom Shields (Terri Long) of American Fork, Utah; Tony Shields (Liz Oviatt) of Herriman, Utah; Angela Thomas (Chet) of Woodland, Utah; Melissa Ficklin (Daryl) of Twin Falls, Idaho; and Jessica Gordon (Lance) of St. George, Utah. Ed and Ora were blessed with 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Ed began his career in sheet metal and, through hard work and dedication, rose to the position of project manager for a commercial climate control company. He worked in this field until his retirement in 2006.

In his younger years, "Eddie" enjoyed fishing with his dad and playing baseball. As an adult, he took pleasure in bowling, deer hunting, skeet shooting, fishing, boating, and golfing. Following his retirement, he discovered a passion for restoring motorcycles, a hobby he enjoyed for about 16 years.

Ed was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His family was sealed as an eternal family in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1988.

Ed is joyfully reunited in Heaven with his son, Tom Shields; his brother, Guy Shields; his grandson, Colton; and his parents, Budd and Eloyse.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ora; his children, Tony (Liz) Shields, Angela (Chet) Thomas, Melissa (Daryl) Ficklin, and Jessica (Lance) Gordon; daughter-in-law, Terri (Long) Shields; his grandchildren, Sidnee, Michael, Kelsey, Tori, Parker, Jaxson, Mauree, Jake, Chloe, Hunter, Ethan, Katie, Ella, Taylor, Sophia, Claire, Bryan, Jason, Ben, Gavin, and Jocelyn; and great-grandchildren, Ezra, Luna, and Adeline. He also leaves behind his sisters, Reighlyn and Robin, who will continue to cherish his memory.

Ed’s life will be remembered and celebrated at a private family service in Orem, Utah.