courtesy contributor MT, 47959995, 1 Dec 2016:
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@Times Independent, Moab, Utah
May 24, 1994

Duren Howard Shields, born August 5, 1905 in Hunt County, Texas, son of Frank and Achsah Ross Shields, passed away May 19,1994. He married Lena O. Fox on August 1, 1928 then in 1929 they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico where he proceeded to learn his trade in plumbing and heating. During World War II, he worked at Los Alamos and participated in building the experimental casing for the atomic bomb. In 1945 he and his family moved to Moab, Utah where he started his first business, D. H. Shields Plumbing and Heating. He was member of the Plumbers' Union for over 50 years. In the 1950's he built the Red Rock Lodge and during the uranium boom of the same period, opened his trailer court and laundromat.

Howard was an active prospector. He loved Moab and the desert. He was treasurer for the group that built Shafer Trail. He was Democratic County Chairman for a number of years in the 1950's, through this capacity he was instrumental in obtaining funding for the present entrance to Arches National Monument.

Howard was a Mason and a member of the Lions Club. He was a life long Baptist and a member of the Community Baptist Church in Moab.

Howard was very active in Senior Citizens even before his retirement at age 74. He was Senior Citizen of the Year in 1978 for the State of Utah. He was honored as Senior Citizen of the year in 1990 for Grand County. He was Retired Senior Volunteer, RSVP for the United States of America. He received a volunteer service aware in 1989 from Canyon lands Field Institute. Howard was active in establishing funding and implementing the Meals on Wheels Program for Seniors. He participated in the Senior Citizens band, playing Maracas made from toilet floats. He was active in community affairs throughout his life and until his death, he volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center. His humor, in all situations, was appreciated by all who had the privilege to know him.

Howard's family always came first, he was a good provider and devoted husband. He was predeceased by his wife, five brothers and six sisters. Howard is survived by his children, Wanda Westwood and husband Melvin of Corvallis, Oregon; Martha Thayer and husband Norman of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Darvin Shields and wife Juanita of Elko, Nevada; Iva Johnson and fiance Ralph Paiz of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Lynda Whiting and Husband Doyle of Austin, Texas; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and his brother Sanderson Shields of Oletha, Kansas.