Mr. Louis Stewart Shield Jr., 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at his residence at Commonwealth Senior Living in Onancock.
He was born on May 3, 1935, to Louis S. Shield Sr. and Dorothy Whaley Shield.
Upon graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became an aircraft radio operator. He was a Korean War veteran and was very proud to serve his country.
After serving in the Air Force, he was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding as a welder.
He later met Virginia Rogers, and they married and lived in Hampton for many years prior to returning to the Eastern Shore. He and Virginia bought a home in Wardtown and opened a store called Cowbells Country Store.
While operating the store, he responded to a help wanted ad from Eastern Shore Community College for a welding instructor. He was hired and another chapter began. He helped build a welding program that would train many people and provide employment opportunities, and many of the program’s graduates would follow in his footsteps and work at Newport News Shipbuilding. He loved what he did and was very proud of what he helped build as well as those who came through his program. He reached the level of associate professor of welding and taught until his retirement in 1998.
He is survived by his son, Jimmy Rogers; his daughter, Jeania Branch; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, Virginia, he was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Betty Kay Caminade; his sister, Mary Mears; and several grandchildren.
The family thanks the nursing and care staff at Commonwealth Senior Living for the care they provided as well as their friendship. He loved you all.
The family will have a private interment, which will be held at a later time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
