William F. “Bill” Shields, 57, Altamont, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at his home. He had been in his usual health and death was unexpected.

He was born July 13, 1953, in Chanute, to Charles E. and Janice Long Shields. He grew up and attended schools in Cherryvale where he graduated high school.

Through the years he worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant and the MK&T Railroad until becoming employed in 1977 by KDOT. He moved to Altamont in 1982.

He and Mary Wilson were married March 24, 1974 in Erie, Kansas. She survives, of the home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Chris Shields, Wentzville, Mo., Greg Shields, Iola; a daughter, Candace Surridge, Altamont; eight grandchildren; grandmother, Mabel Long Cherryvale; three brothers, Charles Shields, Larry Shields, and James Shields, all of Cherryvale.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. today, Dec. 22 at the First Baptist Church in Altamont. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the First Baptist Church in Altamont. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.