Joe M. Fields, age 93, entered the arms of Our Savior on February 3, 2017, at Bronson Hospital in Battle Creek.
Joe was born to Preston and Francis Fields, September 23, 1923, in Hyden, KY.
Joe was a decorated WWII veteran and was part of the 3rd wave of the Normandy, D-Day invasion. He served in the 5th Armored Division and was present for the St. Lo breakthrough (Operation Cobra), the decisive battle that led to the collapse of German forces at Normandy.
After returning from the war, Joe met Faye Turner on a bus ride. He struck up a conversation about his sister, Maggie, who Faye already knew. This introduction resulted in 70 years of marriage, and six kids who loved, laughed, and enjoyed life with a Dad with a marvelous sense of humor. This heritage of humor provided inspiration to eldest son Gary who went on to share the gift of laughter to all of Battle Creek through the ‘Gary Fields Comedy Club’.
Joe worked for Model Linen out of Grand Rapids, which eventually sold to Banner Linen, where Joe retired in 1984. Joe was known throughout the community as a man of charm and wit, eager to make a new friend wherever he went. He shared the love of God with everyone he met, demonstrating a unique sense of caring resulting in life-long bonds.
Joe was a long-standing member of the Church of Christ where he had a lifetime of faithful service to our Lord. Joe loved Jesus, loved his family, and enjoyed his life. Although it is hard to let him go, we know that Joe’s memory lives strongly in the many lives he touched.
Surviving Joe are his wife, Faye, and children: Elaine Garrison (Joe), Gary (Lesley), Ron (Lois), Deborah DeVore, Jeff, and Joe (Jenny). Also surviving are his sister Maggie McKendrick (Ed Hudson) and16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters: Sarah Lewis, Nancy Jane Asher, Lizzy Feltner, Katie Margaret Fields, Myrtle Parker; and six brothers: Issac, Larkin, Ardale, Billy, Tim and Biggie Fields.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Thursday February 9, 2017 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
A funeral service will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Friday, February 10, 2017, at 1:00 pm.
Interment will take place in the Fort Custer National Cemetery.