Burton Elliot Shields

Burton (Burt) Elliot Shields was born of the union of Buford and Dorothy Shields on April 2, 1970, in Terrell, Texas. He was the second of four siblings.  Burton was baptized at a young age at Roswell Church of Christ. Burt grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and attended Parker Middle School until the family relocated to Cleveland Heights, Ohio in 1984. He attended Monticello Middle School and then Cleveland Heights High School where he graduated in 1988.

Burt’s career would be dedicated to serving others and excelling in many fields. He began his career journey by proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. His commitment to continuous growth was evident in his Basic Water Support Technician certification from the Marine Engineering School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in 1990. He received a rifle expert badge. Burt was awarded a Meritorious Mast for his exceptional performance in the Port of Al Jubail in Operation Desert Storm, 1991. He was awarded five certificates of appreciation from Brigadier General Gary Brown, Marines Forces Southwest Asia, for volunteering to provide logistical support and operational expertise with tactical lighting system—this resulted in a safe and successful event. OORAH! Burt developed a deep sense of honor, discipline, and commitment, qualities that shaped the man he would become and remain with him throughout his life. After completing his military service, Burt obtained various jobs such as Sysco Food Services as a Loader, in 1996, where he would work alongside his brothers Brad and Barry. Eventually, he moved back to Texas and worked as a Residential Officer for the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center in 2004. He participated in the support groups and inevitably became a mentor for troubled young men. In 2005, Burt obtained his CDL license and became a bus operator for Citibus in Lubbock, Texas. One of his favorite parts of the job was transporting the Texas Tech University’s basketball players before and after their games. During that same year, Burt volunteered to help evacuate Hurricane Katrina survivors from New Orleans to Houston as a Citibus employee.

In 2006, Burt moved back to Cleveland, Ohio. He joined First Energy’s Power Systems Institute. In 2007, earning a spot on the Dean’s list at Lakeland Community College, where he would earn his associate degree in Applied Electric Utility Technology in 2008. After gaining his experience as a Lineman at First Energy (The Illuminating Company), Burt was given the opportunity to transfer to San Antonio, Texas as a Journeyman Lineman for Floresville Electric Light & Power System (FELPS) in 2014. He left FELPS for a couple years to work for The City of San Marcos Utility Company, however in 2021 Burt came back to FELPS. He would become the Lead Man and was known as a loyal friend and “brother” with a loveable presence whose kindness and dedication left a lasting impact.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, one of his greatest joys was meeting the love of his life, Michelle at Cuyahoga Community College in 1988. Their love led to a beautiful marriage on February 1, 1992, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion and from that union they raised an outstanding son, Evan, and a beautiful daughter, Natasha.

Burt was a man who lived life with passion, purpose and a heart full of love whether perfecting his swing on the golf course, tackling a new project with his skilled hands or cooking something delicious. He put his whole heart into everything he did but above all his greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father to his daughter and son and a loving grandfather who cherished every moment with his grandkids. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work; kindness and the countless memories he created with those who were lucky enough to know him. Burt’s wholesome, warm laughter and amazing sense of humor will be deeply missed but his love will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Burt is survived by his loving wife, Michelle (Sims), son Evan Sims Sr. (Alexis), and daughter Natasha Dumas (Wesley Jr.). His parents who preceded him in death Buford and Dorothy Shields, brother Brad Shields (deceased), brother Barry Shields (Angelique), sister Belinda Shields, grandchildren, Evan Sims Jr., Avontae Sims, Daevon Sims, Arianna Dumas, Wesley Dumas III, and Bailey Dumas. Nephews Aaron Shields, Adrian Shields, Alex Shields, Amir Shields, and niece Alycia Shields. He also became a great uncle to Azai Shields, Cataleya Shields, Aiden Shields, Ashton Shields, and Apollo Shields and a host of extended family and friends.