Leo Fields

Leo Fields passed away peacefully on February 12, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Leo was born on September 14, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Mamie (Lipshy) and William Feilschmidt. His father died two months later. Leo spent much of the first seven years of his life with his grandmother, Sarah Lipshy. He was also embraced by his beloved aunt and uncle, Edna (Lipshy) and Morris B. Zale, and their children, who provided a secure and nurturing environment for Leo.

Always eager to learn, Leo graduated from Wichita Falls High School at the age of 16 and attended the University of Texas until the family business pulled him away early. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War. After returning to Houston in 1953, Leo met the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbie) Baras. They married on November 1, 1953 and celebrated 63 happy years together.

Leo was with Zale Corporation from 1942 until 1986 when he retired. At Zale’s, Leo helped build the world’s largest retail jewelry chain. After Zale Corporation was sold, Leo established Weisberg & Fields, an investment advisory firm that later merged with Gerald Ray and Associates.

A respected community leader, Leo actively served on the boards of Brandeis University, The Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged Foundation, the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation, Greenhill School, Lamplighter School, and the M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation. He also served as the Vice-Chair of the International Board of Advisors for the Institute for Social and Economic Policy in the Middle East at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, Mamie Feilschmidt Gray and William Feilschmidt; his beloved aunt and uncle, Edna and M.B. Zale; his infant son, William Benet Fields; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Beth Falik. He is survived by his adored wife, Bobbie Fields; his cousins, Donald Zale (Barbara), Marvin Zale (Betty) and Gloria Landsberg (Jerry); his half brother, Jerry Gray (Marilyn); his children, Sheryl Bogen (Gordon), Amy Rosenberg (Wade), and David Fields (Julie); his grandchildren, Emily Falik, Matthew Rosenberg (fiancée Jessie Karlin), Ethan Rosenberg (Antoinette), Betsy Rosenberg, Elizabeth Asen (Josh), and Andrew Fields; and his step grandchildren, Joseph Bogen (Alexis Angell) and Caleb Bogen. He is also survived by his great grandchild, Lawson Rosenberg, and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. The family is grateful for Ann Harris’ and Carolyn Wheat’s devotion to Leo, and we send our heartfelt appreciation to Leo’s dedicated caregivers, especially Teresa Miller and Paulina Santos.

Leo will be fondly remembered for his love of family, wisdom, generosity, unimpeachable integrity, and commitment to his work and community. Leo would describe his greatest accomplishment as raising a loving family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. in the Olan Sanctuary at Temple Emanu El, 8500 Hillcrest Road. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you memorialize Leo with a gift to Temple Emanu El, the Dallas Furniture Bank, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com