Larry Fields

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Larry Eugene Fields, 75, of Galena, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Larry was born August 22, 1946 in Lebanon, Oregon to Eugene and Marjorie (Dinwiddie) Fields. He was a 1965 graduate of Galena High School. Larry’s working career began in high school, where he worked in the wheat fields throughout his junior and senior years. 

After high school Larry worked in the Forest Service in Idaho and later returned to the Joplin area, where he attended Missouri Southern to study History – a subject he was always passionate about. He also worked for Wadler Manufacturing and Tri-State Motor Transit for a number of years.

Larry served his country faithfully in the National Guard and the U.S. Navy, retiring as Chief Petty Officer after nearly 26 years. He was a proud Seabee and a member of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 15 “Bat Out of Hell”.

Larry started his own construction company in the late 1980s, Fields Construction – a company he ran while working alongside his sons, Jeremy and Matt. He fully retired in 2014, leaving the business with Matt, and began his dream of working the water full-time. He fished everywhere he could – even in Alaska and Canada.

Larry had a true passion for the great outdoors, especially being on the water. He was a member of the Three State Family Boat Club and enjoyed the many activities the club had to offer. Any time spent hunting, fishing, camping, or piddling outside was his favorite time. He enjoyed watching old Westerns, reading Louis L’Amour books, and talking so much that nobody else could get a word in.

On June 1, 1968, Larry married the love of his life, Deborah Martin at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galena, KS. They were truly inseparable, always sharing a love for the same hobbies and everything fun life had to offer.

There was only one Larry Fields – the Larry that never met a stranger, the Larry that had the most contagious smile, the Larry that told the best stories, and the Larry that knew the importance of being ornery enough to keep life fun. He was a loving husband, the best dad, a caring son and brother, the #1 Papa, and a true friend to everyone. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Larry was preceded in death by an infant son, Garrett Fields; and his father, Eugene Fields.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 54 years, Debbie Fields; three children, Jeremy Fields and wife, Patty, of Galena, Matthew Fields and wife, Jennifer, of Galena, and Kayla Eaton and husband, James, of Weir; five grandchildren, Dylan, Meghan, Peyton, Reezen, and Ava; his mother, Marjorie Fields, of Galena; two siblings, Kathleen Rogers and husband, Mark, of Joplin and Timothy Fields of Galena; several nieces and nephews; and more friends than he knew what to do with.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galena, KS. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery of Galena. Pallbearers serving will be Bill Osborn, Matt Fields, Dylan Fields,Johnny McGinnis, Dennis Elbrader, Jud Williams, Marion Chestnut, James Eaton, and Jason Mattix, with honorary pallbearers being Jody Parnell, Gary Thurlo, Garry Abram, Dorcie Tash, Bob Duffin, and Mark Rogers.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 6-7:00 PM at Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.