Scott Henry Shields

After being diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer in March of 2022. Scott fought with strength and unwavering spirit. Despite facing challenges of his illness, he remained a beacon of hope and inspiration to all that knew him.

Scott was born in St. John, Kansas on August 12, 1961, to the late Emerson H. Shields and Jeanette (Jan) Shields (Steiner). Scott attended Fort Hays University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and Crop Science. Scott was passionate about his work and dedicated 37 years of his life to public service and environmental stewardship.

His first job was as an Environmental Scientist, where he traveled throughout the United States doing inspections. He loved to travel and often told stories of his time doing inspections in New York City. When Scott became a father, he changed jobs and started his career as the Environmental Programs administrator for KDOT. While at KDOT he managed erosion control projects and designed landscapes that would include vegetation for pollinator insects. When Scott retired from KDOT he started his career as Senior Grant Management Specialist with the USDA. Scott found this job rewarding and took pride in supporting the Federal Grant Programs for colleges and universities with integrity and diligence.

Beyond Scott’s professional accomplishments, he found joy in being an outdoorsman and a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. Scott cherished is time on the water fishing and regularly took his boat out to Clinton Lake. Some of his favorite times were fishing trips with his longtime friends. Scott loved adventure and recently fulfilled a dream of fishing in Alaska, where he caught halibut for the first time. He touched the lives of everyone that knew him, leaving a legacy of love, kindness and strength that will be remembered forever.

Scott lived out his Catholic faith and stewardship by starting the council for the Knights of Columbus in Baldwin, Kansas. He was the first Grand Knight and became a Fourth- Degree Knight, the most prestigious degree. Preparing and serving the pancake breakfasts and the annual fish fry were some of his favorite memories.

Scott was a devoted father and a loving partner. He is survived by his children, Blake Shields, Sara Shields, Brad Shields, his beloved, Kirsten Nyberg; and his two brothers: Byron Shields and Russell Shields.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a visitation and then the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Please join us after the services in the Father Burak Room for lunch and to celebrate Scott.

Scott will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. His memory will live on in the love, faith, and laughter he shared throughout his life.

Charitable donations may be made to Curé of Ars, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206 or to St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, P.O. Box 17-2046, Kansas City, KS 66117 or an online donation can be made at https://www.stmaryfoodkitchen.org/