Rodney Fields

(From Parker Mortuary)

Long time Joplin resident, Rodney Gage Fields passed away on April 19, 2015. Rodney loved simple things. He especially loved to remember, fishing with his dad, Reverend Roy Fields Sr. Besides fishing, Rodney enjoyed old movies, especially westerns, and long drives with his girlfriend, Norma Cunningham.

Like so many in Joplin, Rodney was profoundly affected by the 2011 tornado. The house he lived in was destroyed. Rodney was pulled from the rubble, he has lived in residential care in Carthage since that event. Members of his faith community at South Joplin Christian Church provided help, support and friendship.

Rodney was born May 28, 1935 in Oklahoma City and lived in various locations where his father’s calling as a minister led the family. A survivor of Scarlet fever, Rodney lived with his parents throughout his life. Mr. Fields attended High School in Joplin, did maintenance work at Schifferdecker Park, then for many years worked at the Joplin Sheltered workshop. Rodney and his mother lived in Joplin for more than forty years following his father’s death. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Roy Fields, Sr., mother Clara (Gage) Fields, and brother, Rev. Dr. Roy Fields, Jr. Funeral services will be conducted at graveside at the Diamond Cemetery, Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00.

Rodney’s dog, Lucky, also survived the tornado and remains in the care of Rodney’s dear friend Norma Cunningham. In lieu of flowers it was his wish that contributions be made to the Joplin Humane Society, 140 E Emperor Lane, Joplin – where Rodney originally found and adopted Lucky and then Norma again found her months after the tornado.