Robert H. Shields

SHIELDS, Robert, age 88, of Kettering, OH, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 2, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 1, 1934, in Monroe County, TN to the late John Henry and Ida Mae (McLemore) Shields. He grew up on his family farm in TN with his 7 brothers and sisters. At the age of 17 Robert moved to the Dayton area to find work, and subsequently began his long career with General Motors. Soon after, Robert was drafted and ended up serving two years in the Army. After his time in the Army, Robert came back to Dayton, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Marlene Ditmer. In 1983 after 34 years of service Robert retired from GM, where he worked primarily as a Job Setter and Machinist. In retirement he loved traveling, and together with Marlene they rode their motorcycle all over the US and Canada. They enjoyed being members of both the Goldwing Riders Association and Retreads, where they made numerous lifelong friendships. Throughout his life Robert was an excellent handyman, and consistently put his skills to good use flipping houses. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 598 in Centerville, OH. Robert will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marlene Shields; daughter, Cheryl Credit; grandchild, Eric Credit; brother-in-law, Roland Ditmer; sister-in-law, Kathleen Sizemore; and numerous extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Miami Valley Hospital and Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton for the excellent care they provided Robert and the support they provided to the family. A visitation will be held from 4-6pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11am. Burial to follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Legion Post 598, https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate.