Thomas Edward Fields

Thomas Edward Fields, Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.), 75, of New Braunfels, TX passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels, of respiratory pneumonia following an extended illness.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra Jo Hornsby Fields and their three children, Cheryl Anne Fields, Jacksonville, FL; Thomas Robert Fields and his wife, Lisa Terrenella Fields, Austin, TX; and Catherine Denise Fields Elgie and her husband Daniel Sarvis Elgie, Silverhill, AL.

Tom’s seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter also mourn his passing: Joanna Marie Michalski and her husband Jeff Michalski, Jacksonville, FL; Mark Edward Elgie, Warner Robins, GA and his fiancée Paula Vasco; Matthew Donald Elgie, Auburn, Alabama and his fiancée Jenna McCabe; Michael Thomas Elgie, Silverhill, AL and his

fiancée Jessica Brown; Zachary Robert Fields, Austin, TX; Annalise Marie Fields, Austin, TX; Catherine Elizabeth Elgie, Silverhill, AL and Alexandra Virginia Michalski, Jacksonville, FL.Tom was predeceased by his parents, his brother, James Ray Fields, on December 21, 2003 and sister-in-law Turla Beth Hornsby Jones, on October 29, 1994. His father-in-law, Hugh Morrison Hornsby, Jr. passed on February 4, 1980 and mother-in-law Elizabeth Virginia Medbery Hornsby on January 22, 2001.

Other surviving family members include his sisters, Rose Elaine Fields Nau, Santa Fe, NM and her husband Dr. Larry M. Nau, Sr.; Menota Louise Fields Edwards, Eastland, TX and her husband Carlton L. Edwards; and Deborah Dianne Fields Dourte, Austin, TX. Also dear to Tom were his brother-in-law, Hugh M. Hornsby, New Braunfels, TX; Barbara Hornsby Whitman, Humble, Tx; and Helen Hornsby Bland, Houston, TX.

Nephews and nieces saddened by his passing are: James Ronald Fields, Canton, TX; Jay Richard Fields, San Francisco, CA; Larry M. Nau, Jr., Austin, TX; John R. Nau, Austin, TX; Tracy Lynn Edwards Thompson, San Antonio, TX; Shannon Kay Nau Errett, Austin, TX; Kirsten Elaine Nau Ramzel, Shertz, TX; SSgt. William Granville Dourte, IV, Washington, D.C.and his fiancée Anna Catherine Karl; Annette Louise Dourte, Austin, TX; and Emily Dianne Dourte, Austin, TX; Anne Hornsby Kuhlmann; Marble Falls, TX; Holley Hornsby Hunsucker, Oregon; John Hornsby, Texas; Jennifer Whitman, Humble, TX; Gretchen Bland, Texas; and Christian Bland, Beaumont, TX.

Tom was born on August 1, 1934 at Drumwright Creek, OK to Logan Edmond Fields and Lena Althea Fricker Fields. Tom moved Austin, TX in January 1937 and his mother died on September 30, 1938. He was deeply loved and guided as he grew into manhood by his late father’s wife, Louise Breedlove Fields. His parents were known as Mr. & Mrs.

“Shorty” Fields and were the proprietors of the Lakeview Café at 3800 Lake Austin, Blvd. in Austin. On May 6, 1955, Tom was united in marriage to his dearest love, Sandra Jo Hornsby. The couple renewed their wedding vows on May 6, 2010, their 55th Anniversary; a deeper and more abiding love than theirs is genuinely rare.

Devoted parents, the couple supported their children in extra curricular activities and encouraged them to pursue their goals. The family enjoyed water skiing and traveling together. His family was Tom’s first priority throughout his life. In any family crisis, his was the voice of calm, wise reasoning and he faithfully assisted on numerous occasions to guide family members through bereavement or calamity. Most of all, Tom shared in the joys of his family’s life events and accomplishments with uncompromising love and pride in each milestone event. During his pursuit of an impressive college education, Tom participated in Tau Beta PI (Texas A&M College); Sigma Gamma Tau (Texas A&M); Phi Kappa Phi (Texas A&M); Phi Eta Sigma (Texas A&M); The Institute of Aerospace Sciences (A&H). Tom earned his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1962 and his Master’s degree in Air Weapons in 1969 from Wright Patterson.

Also known as “Tom Terrific”, “T-Squared”, and USAF LTC (Ret) Thomas E. Fields, his military career began on April 29, 1955 and he retired on April 30, 1980. Tom was awarded the following commendations during his 27 years of service: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,

Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding United Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

He took great pleasure in flying and was an instructor in multiple aircraft, including the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, and his favorite, the North American T-39 Saberliner. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Tom was employed at Bell Technical Operations for five years. Tom worked for Operational Technology in San Antonio, TX until 2006. During his retirement, Tom and Sandy enjoyed traveling across the US in their motor home and were members of the Discovery Texans RV Group, the Texas Disco Road Runners and the National DOAI.

Thomas Edward Fields was beloved by his proud parents, his treasured wife and adoring children, his cherished grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews and many, many friends. A man so admired is more than mourned and missed. His passing leaves the bereaved with a profound desire to continue his legacy of persevering love, loyalty and joyful life. As final farewells and military ceremony accompany the closing of Tom’s life chapter, the echoes of Taps, the 21 gun salute and jet engines roar assure us that he has at last “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “reach out and touch the face of God”.

Rest in peace, our dearest husband, amazing father, beloved brother and friend. “Off you go, into the Wild Blue Yonder”; you have been cleared for take-off.

Arrangements were made at the Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels, TX for visitation on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 1-5 pm and Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 12-8 pm. Funeral Services took place at 12 noon on Monday, followed promptly at 1:30 pm by the Burial Service at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Remembrances of Tom may be made to a choice of the Shriner’s Children’s hospital or the Veteran’s Administration.