George "Buddy" Shieldes

George R. "Buddy" Shieldes, age 85, of Waco, formerly of West, passed away late Friday evening, June 2, 2023 at his residence.

A memorial rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Waco. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant, assisted by Rev. James Ekeocha and Deacons Ronnie Sykora and Greg George. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard.

Buddy was born December 31, 1937 in Wichita Falls, the son of Robert and Myra (Payne) Shieldes. He was a 1956 graduate of West High School and a 1960 graduate of Texas A&M University where he received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. On June 4, 1960 he was united in marriage to Margaret Hruska in West. Margaret preceded him in death on October 17, 1980. He then married Dolores (Knapp) Hudson on June 27, 1987 in Pleasanton. Dolores also preceded him in death on November 25, 2013. Buddy then was united in marriage to Cathy (Campbell) Miller on August 29, 2015 in Waco. Buddy and Cathy were members of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco and was a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in West, where he served as a Deacon as he had for many years prior and since. Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and continued with the Army Reserves until his retirement in 1998 at a Lt. Colonel. He was also a member of the West Veterans Honor Guard, West Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, the American Legion Post #345, the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter #1012, and Knights of Columbus Councils #2305 and #13005. Buddy worked in retail management for many different businesses including K-Mart, Western Auto, Lowe's, and was a substitute teacher at St. Mary's School in West prior to retiring in 2000. Buddy enjoyed playing, writing, and singing music; playing many instruments including his favorite, the banjo; volunteering; and ministering to others. He and Cathy loved, in recent years, performing for various churches, rest homes, and halls. He played with many groups including the West Polka Boys and Banjo Buddies.

Buddy is also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Selah Rose Shieldes.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 7 years, Cathy Miller Shieldes of Waco; his children, Ann Massey of Grapevine, Robert Shieldes of Austin, Stephen Shieldes and wife Krista of San Antonio, and Mandy Sorenson and husband Eric of Los Angeles, CA; step sons, Eric Hudson and wife Kelli of Hillsboro, Gerald Miller of Waco, and Marshall Miller and wife Elissa of San Marcos; his grandchildren, Katie, Mark, and Elise Massey; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Karlik and husband Bill; his faithful dog, Fritz; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Veterans Honor Guard or to your local parish.