Eugene "Gene" Fields Jr.

Eugene Fields, Jr. (14 June 1944 – 21 October 2014) Eugene “Gene” Fields, Jr. 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 21, 2014 following a lengthy illness. Gene was born June 14, 1944 in Connersville, Indiana to Eugene and Vina (Lewis) Fields who preceded him in death. Gene joined the United States Navy in 1962, serving during the Viet Nam War as a machinist on the USS Proteus and the USS Sperry. In 1967 following his stint in the Navy, he joined the Indianapolis Police Department, retiring 32 years later in 2000. During his time on the Department he worked as a K-9 and district officer and in the Property Recovery Unit. Gene also received several commendations. For many years Gene enjoyed the great outdoors hunting, fishing and boating. When he could no longer do these things due to his failing health, he became an avid bird and squirrel watcher, spending countless hours watching wildlife through the picture window. Until his eyesight failed, he was a voracious reader of western novels and books on the American Civil War. Gene also spent endless hours watching television, his favorite shows being old westerns, and any program featuring Alaska, wildlife, fishing or especially, food. Gene was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Scottish Rite, and the Masonic Lodge (Mooresville, #669). He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann who lovingly and faithfully cared for him during his long and difficult illness, stepdaughters Dianna Cooper and Lisa (Jay) Ankney, his beloved grandson, Christian “Little Man” Ankney and a special niece Tracy (Mike) Guy. Gene also leaves behind two sisters, Audrey Fields and Frieda (Walter) Knight, four brothers, Gerald, Kenneth (Donna), Oliver and Curtis Fields, brother-in-law Dana Chatham, sister-in-law Jeanne Fields, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A daughter and grandson, Jamie and Collin Handlon, also survive. Two brothers, Keith and Greg Fields, and one sister, Sue Chatham, preceded Gene in death. Gene will also be greatly missed by his pets, Tabby, Roxy, Bindi and Dusty Boy who provided endless hours of entertainment and comfort often sleeping on his bed. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their support, particularly Charmaign Moreland for her gentle care, uplifting personality and sincere friendship. She worked diligently to ease Mary Ann’s burden and provide comfort for Gene. Additional thanks to Tammy Ralston and Anne Myers of Gentiva who provided much needed support during the final transition. Their professionalism, kindness, and respect allowed Gene to maintain a level of dignity at the very end. The family would also like to acknowledge special friends, Frank “Robbie” and Kathy Robbins and Charlie Hasselburg who regularly visited, called and provided support to both Gene and Mary Ann throughout his illness, especially during his final days. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 28 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. until services begin at 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday, a brief presentation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Honor Guard will occur at 4:00 p.m. with Masonic Services scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Washington Park East Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted at the gravesite. Little & Sons Funeral Home, Beech Grove has been entrusted with arrangements. www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com