Wayne Anthony Shields

Wayne Anthony Shields, age 78, of St. Charles MO, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital on September 5th, 2024. He was born February 18th, 1946, to Vincent and Mable Shields in Jackson County Illinois. He married Shirley Ann Herriman in St. Peters Catholic Church on September 22,1973.

Wayne graduated from Gorham High School in 1964. He went to Moler Barber College in 1965. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War where he achieved the rank of Sgt. He was a cook and barber and often spoke of trading haircuts with his company commander who was also a barber and serving mass on the hood of a jeep in the middle of the jungle. He was Honorably Discharged in 1967 and moved to St. Charles where he started a thriving business as a barber for over 60 years. He didn't care if you were a rich man or a poor man, he would cut your hair just the same. He has cut up to 5 family generations. He was loved by all his patrons. He served them not only as a barber, but a counselor, storyteller, and comedian. A visit to his shop was truly an "experience"! His passion in life was fishing especially for trout at Lake Taney Como for the past 46 years. He has spent the last 13 years with his fiancé Lawanda Luederman Karaca. The two were reunited by fate/ chance decades after being high school sweethearts.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, mother, and father: Vincent and Mable, 3 sisters: Margaret Shields, Vera Mueller, and Theresa Lee, and 2 brothers: James and Harold Shields. He is survived by 3 sisters: Barb Alstat, Mary Schuster, Connie (Leornard) Froemling and 2 brothers: Ervin (Gerri) and Joseph Shields as well as numerous nieces/nephews, great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces nephews and many cousins.

In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to Central Missouri Veterans Honor Flight or Palliative Care SSM @ St. Joseph’s Hospital.