Ernest Ernie Allen Shields

Ernie was a child born and raised during the Great Depression. The time was difficult, and he quickly learned that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success.

At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the army. Ernie elevated to the rank of Corporal while in the service and received the World War II Victory Medal. Ernie was a lifelong patriot and is remembered for leading friends in singing the Star Spangled Banner at his annual Christmas party.

After military service, he returned to Bakersfield where he met his future wife, Jean Marie Snow and they married on May 29, 1949. They subsequently had four daughters, Carol Ann, Cynthia Kay, Sharon Lee, and Karen Lynne.

In additional to starting his family, Ernie began to develop several business ventures beginning with owning and opening a service station. He took great pride in his ingenuity and skills in building his business. Ernie, along with his wife Jean, his daughter Cindy, grandson Greg, and his employee and friend, Don Lee built E.A. Shields, Inc. into a business that encompassed sewer construction and maintenance, home building, Mobile Home Park construction, Sindi-Kay Mobile Sales, and Ready-mix and Landscape supply endeavors. Ernie’s grandson Greg Shields and his wife Yinnela Shields are currently the owners and operators of E.A. Shields, Inc., making the company a third generation company in Kern County.

After a long illness, Jean passed away on December 10, 1985. Ernie was fortunate to have found a new life partner, Gina Marie Spainhour and they married. Ernie welcomed Gina’s daughter, Adela Lucchesi, whom he loved as gift of another daughter. Ernie and Gina enjoyed many wonderful years together that included traveling around the world and to the coast at Santa Barbara. Gina selflessly and lovingly cared for Ernie for the last several years throughout his declining health, with the assistance of Greg, and Yinnela.

Ernie’s interest during his long life included a passion for chess. He sponsored several chess tournaments in Bakersfield and encouraged younger chess enthusiasts. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. Ernie was a self-made man who was an avid reader. He also was an active writer who wrote poetry and novels. He loved deep sea fishing and for many years took his family, employees, clients, and friends fishing in his boat. Ernie became a private pilot and loved flying his plane every chance he could find.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Doris B. and Herbert F. Shields, His Siblings, Mildred, James, and Gene Shields. He is preceded by his first wife, Jean Marie Shields.

Ernie is survived by his sister Marilyn Goeas and his wife, Gina Marie Shields, his daughters, Carol Apperson and husband John, Cynthia Montsinger, Sharon Newbry and husband Philip, and Karen Rizvi and her husband Dr. Syed Rizvi, and Adela Lucchesi and fiancé Joseph Bertholdi. He also leaves behind his grandson Gregory Shields and wife Yinnela Shields, Sky McKinney and wife Tara Dolan, Ryan Apperson and fiancé Shannon Murphy, Brian Montsinger and wife HeeJeong, Rusell Newbry and wife Desiree, and Michael Newbry. He is survived by two granddaughters, Jennifer Jean Shields and Laurel Apperson Rosa and her husband Steven. Ernie was blessed with six great-grandchildren Macaully Shields, Jake Rosa, Alexandra Shields, Drew Rosa, Ember McKinney, and Sloane Rosa.

The family wished to acknowledge, with deep appreciation, the wonderful care and support provided by Ernie’s childhood friend, Charlotte Brock; Dr. Raj Patel; Optimal Hospice; Dr. Jerry Wolf, D.D.S. and number of specialist at Sansum Clicinic.

We would like to thank the many friends who acknowledged his passing with their encouraging words, cards, food, and other kindnesses during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the local police and fire departments for protective equipment, and the Veteran’s Administration Association (VAA), and Optimal Hospice