Joe Gene Field

Joe Gene Field aka Pops, 80, of Copperas Cove, Texas, peacefully passed away at home with his devoted family at his side. Joe was born in Esbon, Kansas on March 26, 1933 to Clarence Everett and Florence Marjorie (nee Clemons) Field.

Joe grew up in Esbon, Kansas where he attended high school and later obtained his GED. In 1953 he enlisted in the US Army and served for 21 years. He served in the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Service Star; Army Commendation Medal With 2 Oak Clusters; Bronze Star Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation; Meritorious Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal Clasp, Silver, 2 Loops. He honorably retired in 1975 achieving the rank of MSG/E-8.

Joe attended Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas where he received an Associates Degree for Drafting and Design in 1978.After his military service, Joe worked in the Copperas Cove area for Centel and the Waste Management Plant. He later worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Construction Inspector. He retired in the mid 90’s after giving over 30 years of combined service to the Federal Government.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Ila May Schmidt, Buddy Lowell Field, Louis Kee Field, and Max Neal Field. Joe is survived by his wife Tevin, of Copperas Cove; his daughter Mae Lee and her husband Michael Harrigan of Germany; his son Jimmy and his wife Amy of Briarcliff, Texas; his daughter Ann Nevada and her husband Kevin Brungot of Berlin, New Hampshire; and his daughter Sumali and her husband Shareef Valentine of Copperas Cove, Texas. He has 9 grandchildren; Zachary North, Zane North, Allannah Guido, Jayton Field, Zoe Harrigan, Lily Field, Zia Harrigan, Ayanna Valentine and Jamie Field.

Joe married Tevin (nee Garnchoo) in 1968 in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand. They were married for 45 years and raised four children. He enjoyed gardening, boxing, and relaxing in his recliner. Joe was a simple man of very few words, but when he spoke, he always made a lasting impression. He was cared for by his two youngest daughters for the last 10 years of his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him. During his last few days, he was able to spend it with his wife and all of his children. He was finally able to get the ice water and pie he so enjoyed.

The family would like to give thanks to Seton Hospital ICU, Continued Care Hospital, Temple Veterans Hospital ICU, and Odyssey Hospice for the care he received during the last three months of his life. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for their services.

A special thanks to Thaiwai Bonham, Melinda Aparicio, Kimberly Barrera, Tina Hills, Amber Scott, and Jessica Tankson for the loving care you provided during his long journey.