Paul William Shields

We are sad to announce that Paul Shields passed away on January 19th, 2024, at age 77. Paul has been a resident of San Marcos, California, since he moved there with his wife, Jan, in 2009. He was originally from Michigan. 

He Honorably served in the military after graduating from high school. While protecting our country, Paul served three tours in combat and earned many decorations, including the Purple Heart, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Combat Medal, Korea Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Medal for his heroic actions during the Vietnam war and post-wartime in Korea.   

Paul was very well educated, as he earned his Associates in Applied Sciences in Computer Programming from Oakland University, his BA in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.   

While attending college, he became a Police Officer for the City of Grosse Pointe Woods, where he was promoted to Sergeant due to his leadership and problem-solving abilities.  He retired from Grosse Pointe Woods PD in 2000.   In 2005, Paul and his wife moved to Hawaii to escape the winters and create a new chapter in their lives. While there, he worked in Law Enforcement roles, including being employed by the Department of Defense.   

Paul lived life with a sense of duty to serve the public and pursue righteousness.  In 2009, they moved to California to be back on the mainland and to be near his stepchildren, while still enjoying better weather. Paul is survived by his wife of 27 years, Janice (Saules) Shields, daughters Amanda and Ginger Shields, stepchildren Kristin (Hector) Velazquez and Eric (Lauren) Deneau, and eight grandchildren.  

Funeral Services will take place at 11:30 on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at San Marcos Cemetery.  

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