Jerry Shields

Jerry Shields, 80 of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, surrounded by family. He was born on September 19, 1940, in Monroe County, Indiana, the son of Earl Emerson and Ida Mae (Hupp) Shields. He attended Smithville High School. Jerry married the love of his life, Sonja (Crouch) Shields, on April 17, 1958, in Bloomington, Indiana. They were married for 62 years. Jerry was the owner and operator of Shields Construction for more than 50 years, serving Monroe and surrounding counties. His amazing work includes The Fields, The Woodlands, Henderson Crossing and renovations of downtown Bloomington as well as custom homes. He loved working on sprint cars, and he had been a sprint car owner since 1969. He won several championships, including SCRA, USAC, IMCA and Allstars. He was a member of HARF Hall of Fame and he received the HARF Mechanic of the Year award. He loved his grandchildren and would do anything for them. He also enjoyed working and taking care of the family farm. Jerry is survived by his wife, Sonja Shields, of Bloomington; his four children, Lisa (Daryl) Tate of Bloomington; Angela (Ron) Shields Bryant of Bloomington; Todd (Sherri) Shields of Bloomington; Troy (Jinni) Shields of Springville; nine grandchildren, Emily Tate, Erica Tate, Lucas Bryant, Bailey (Darren) Altop, Jesse (Jessica) Kinser, Shelby (JD) Robertson, Levi Shields, Hannah (Jace) Shields and Chase Shields; three great-grandchildren, Riley Robertson, Lane Robertson and Presley Altop, who will arrive in February 2021. Also surviving are his brother, Mike (Peggy) Shields, of Bloomington; sisters Delores (Jeff) King, Sharlene (Ronnie) Lloyd and Sue (David) Baxter, all of Bloomington; sister-in-law Linda Harp, of Bloomington; brother-in-law Jim Crouch, of Bloomington; several nieces, nephews and cousins; good friends, Don Grubb, Steve Kinser, Jerry Burton and Robert Delgado; his extended racing and construction families; and his loyal dog Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joe Shields, Danny Shields, Buck Shields and infant Roger Shields; and his sisters Colleen Barrett and infant Cathy Shields. No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Burial is planned for a later date at Clover Hill Cemetery in Harrodsburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of one’s choice. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Jerry Shields

September 19, 1940 - November 24, 2020