Shane Shields

Shane J. Shields, 64, of Wellington, died  Friday, November 21, 2025, peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Cornejo Funeral Home.

Shane Shields was born May 15, 1961, the son of Max and Ruby Shields in Wellington. He was a high school graduate of Wellington High School and a college graduate of Cowley County Community College and of Southwestern College. Shane was united in marriage to the love of his life Danielle Jones on May 17, 1991, in Wellington.

Shane enjoyed a lifelong career in public service. He began his public service career in law enforcement in 1979, serving six years with the Wellington Police Department. He then served 8 years with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office and 1.5 years with the Sedgwick County E911 Department. He returned to the Police Department, serving two years in 1995 and 1996.

In 1996, at the urging of a few close friends, he ran for and was elected as the Sumner County Clerk and Election Officer. He was re-elected for three more terms and served through March 2010. During his time as County Clerk, he served as President of the Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials Association in 2008. He also served as President of the Kansas County Officials Association in 2009.

In March 2010, he took the position of City Clerk with the City of Wellington. In August 2016, he was appointed City Manager, serving until his retirement in August 2022. Shane’s public service included 17 years in law enforcement and 25 years in city/county administration. He returned to public service in August 2023, taking a position as a Budget Analyst with the City of Derby, a position that he immensely enjoyed. He continued to work until his passing. All in all, a public service career of over 44 years. Shane enjoyed and treasured the friendships developed with the many other dedicated public service professionals he worked alongside during his career.

Survivors include his wife, Danielle of the home, daughter, Sydney Shields, of Wichita, son Jared (Tegan) Shields, of Wellington, father Max, of Wellington, brother in-law Larry Payne of Olathe, Ks, Mother-in-law Carolyn Jones, of Wellington, brother in-law Damon (Rosemary) Jones, of Wichita, sister in-law Felicia (Greg) Massey, of Andover, and brother in-law, Tony Jones of Derby, along with many nieces and nephews. Also, a friend and like a brother, Tom Miller, of Wellington. No grandchildren as of yet, other than four-legged ones, which he loved: Jack, Kai, Binx, Saige, and Ronnie.

Shane was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby, his sister, Valary Payne, and father-in-law, Fredrick Jones. Shane was a pet lover and wanted to acknowledge his pets that preceded him. Jacque, Jocko, Ophie, Kaci, Bud, and Rascal.

A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2025. The family will be present during this time to receive guests. Following the viewing, cremation will take place.

Memorial services for Shane will begin at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Wellington Methodist Church, 202 West Harvey Avenue, Wellington, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Wellington Humane Society or Good Shepherd Hospice. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Join us in remembering Shane by sharing a memory, a photo, or signing his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, KS.