Louis E. Fields

SFC Louis Edward Fields, US Army, Retired, age 87 of Temple, died Friday, October 23, 2015 in a local care center. He was born on May 1st, 1928 in Ashland, Kentucky, the son of Jason and Anna Fields, and sibling to Vince, Roy, John, Alice, James, Mary, Edna, and Jason Fields. As a child Louis grew up on the family farm in Buford, Ohio with his eight brothers and sisters. Growing into adolescence, Louis attended school at Buford School until May of 1944 where he took his first job at Sunshine Biscut Co. in Dayton, Ohio at the age of 16. Louis' pre-military career would lead him to Detroit, MI to work for the Detrola Radio Corporation. The call of the family farm would always harken Louis back to Buford where his talents were needed by his family until he enlisted his services to the United States Army in May of 1946 at Camp Atterbury, IN. He completed his basic training at Fort Knox, KY and was promptly deployed to Germany to help with the restoration efforts of World War II. While in Germany he graduated from the NCO Academy in Sorhofen, Germany. The call of battle would reach out again to Louis as he was then deployed to the Korean War Theater and later, the Vietnam War. In his time of service, Louis completed three tours of duty in Germany, one in Korea, and one in Vietnam. Louis was severely injured in battle while in Pleiku, Vietnam and recovered at Camp Zama Hospital in Japan, as well as Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. After a long road to recovery Louis retired from the U.S. Army in August 1967 with an abundance of medals and commendations including The Purple Heart, Victory Medal World War II, U.S. Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and very recently presented the prestigious award The Certificate of Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Korean Government for his services in the Korean War. After retiring from the U.S. Military, Louis attended Temple Jr. College in Temple where he completed his training in computer science, after which he lent his services to the U.S. Government in Austin and then returned to Ft. Hood with the U. S. Army Computer Services Command. Louis completed his civil service at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Center in Temple. On February 2nd, 1950 Louis married his beloved wife, Carolyn Sue Gibson and together had three children, Michael, Pamela, and Gary. Louis was not only a family man, but a community man as well. His selfless acts would bring smiles to faces far and wide. Brother Louis Fields was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Belton Lodge #166 on March 1, 1961. He affiliated with Knob Creek Lodge #401 on March 15, 1965 and with King Solomon #1427 as a Charter Member on October 25, 1971. He was a dual member and Past Master of Zerne Lodge #615, having served in 1988/89 and 2000/01. He received his 50 year service award on July 12, 2011. He was a Past Patron and 50 year member of Vashti #32, Order of the Eastern Star and a former member of the Temple York Rite Bodies. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign War, held Presidency in the Lions Club of Temple. He was also a member of the Temple Garden Club, Ordained Elder at Grace Presbyterian Church, and a friend of Bill W. for 43 years. Louis Fields is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Sue Fields; his children, Michael and Pamela; grandchildren; Renee, Tarl, Louis Cody, Nikki, Brooke, Laura, Ryan, and John; great- grandchildren; Kari, Kylie, Ryland, Ruby, Jolie, Heather, Kaitlin, Draven, and Tristen; he was preceded in death by his son, Gary Fields of Temple. Louis will be lying in state at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27th and 28th. Visitation will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursday morning, October 29, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Thom Lamb officiating. There will be a light luncheon reception to follow. Burial will take place at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at 3:00 PM with Masonic Rites and Full Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church and Feed My Sheep....