Kenneth Ray Shields, 81

Kenneth Ray Shields, 81, of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away Aug. 17, 2015, at Life Care Center of Post Falls, Idaho. Kenneth was born May 20, 1934, in Liverpool, W.Va., to Arleigh and Hazel (Vanscoy) Shields. Kenneth grew up in the Liverpool area where he graduated from high school in 1952, he then joined the United States Marine Corps, and later the Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1960.

After his discharge he lived in West Virginia and Connecticut, before moving to Southern California in the early '70s. There he worked as a tool and die maker for a furniture manufacturing company until his work brought him to North Idaho in the early '90s. While working at Flexel, he met Camille Sudekum and they were later married in 1996 in Post Falls.

Kenneth was a longtime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Coeur d'Alene 1st ward.

He was good with his hands and enjoyed woodworking, making carvings and chess sets. He also loved rock collecting and nature photography. By far his biggest passion was the Boy Scouts. He was a longtime Scout leader of the Antelope Troop, and he loved collecting Boy Scout memorabilia from around the world. He had even attended the Boy Scout World Jamboree in Australia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Camille, of the family home in Rathdrum; eight stepchildren Rick and Robin Herrera and children, Connie Herrera and children, Ron and Tanya Herrera and children, David and Amanda Herrera and children, Mona and Bobby Bruner and children, Tommy Waller, Carolyn Waller, and Charle and Jason Davis and children; two sons Scott and Von Shields; two daughters Lisa Happ and Tina Shields; two brothers Dale and Jack Shields; two sisters Barbara and Karen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Kenneth Jr., and two brothers Bill and Richard Shields.

A graveside inurnment service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at Pine Grove Cemetery in Rathdrum.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, 10739 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Bell Tower Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements and you may view his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.