Joseph Earl Shields,81, passed peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. with his son and Margaret by his side, at his residence. He was born on October 25, 1944, in Seymour, Indiana, the son of Dr. Jack E. and Beatrice (Pedicord) Shields. He was a lifelong resident of Decatur County and owned the Curio Shop in Greensburg. He was an active member of the National Rifle Association. Joseph loved hunting and went to Canada to hunt moose and bear with family. He enjoyed gardening and traveling and he was a dedicated Republican. Joseph was an avid Fox News fan as there was no other news worth watching. He was a veteran having served in the United States Army. He was a Green Beret in the Special Forces and served as a paratrooper in the Airborne Division. Thank God for a good life and he will remain in our hearts forever. He leaves behind Margaret; his son, Joseph Shields of Greensburg; grandson, Trever Lee Shields and great grandson, Rhyze Rowan Shields, both of Greensburg; niece, Sara V. Shields of Pensacola, Florida and nephews, Jack A. (Linda) Shields and Seth (Nicole) Shields both of Batesville; several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wade Mitchel Shields; a brother and a sister. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday December 18, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown. Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice through the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com