Arthur Art W Fields

Art was born in Auburn, Washington on December 27, 1921, to Mae Genevieve Fields and Arthur Leonard Fields. He was the youngest of three with two sisters, June and Betty for whom he had enduring affection.

Art's formal education was interrupted by World War II. However, his natural ability in mathematics introduced him to Arizona State University via the Army Air Corp where he trained as a Flight Navigator. Art flew 32 combat missions in Europe on a B-24 Liberator Bomber. He received the Airmedal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Returning from the European theater of war, he went to work for United Air Lines as a Flight Navigator for the next 30 years, logging more than 3000 trans-Pacific flights. During his 30 years with United Air Lines, Art further demonstrated his commitment to his country by volunteering to fly MAC (military air cargo) flights during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

In 1946, Art married the love of his life, Kate. Along with their two children, Claudette and Jeff, he always said he happily lived the American Dream for 64 years. His airline schedule of work afforded enough time to develop his natural skills in construction, resulting in building their six beautiful homes as well as remodeling many others. So gifted in this second career, Grandma Burton called him a "gypsy" for moving his family over 15 times.

Kate and Art made their final move to Sun Lakes Country Club in 2000, where he relaxed to enjoy golf, bridge and extended travel. During their 64 years together they had the privilege of exploring this wonderful world with trips to Europe, Asia, South America, Mexico, Canada and all time favorite, Hawaii, along with many cruises.

Blessed with excellent health, Art's latter years were plagued with multiple illnesses. Most debilitating of all the gradual loss of his sight. At 89 years of age, Art had a painless passing in his sleep on January 2, 2011. Beyond being missed, he is mourned by family and friends who admired and loved him dearly. Art is survived by his wife Kate, daughter Claudette Beaty, son Jeff, sister June Delle, grandson Spencer Beaty and great granddaughter Grace, niece Dana Dean Griffin and nephew Mark Dean Delle. Art always considered his brother-in-law, Jim Burton as his younger brother.

Memorial services were held at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave., Beaumont, California, Thursday, January 13, 2011, at 11:00 AM. Art was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Braille Institute of Rancho Mirage, California

Arrangements were entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, California.