Paul “Spider” E. Fields

September 6, 1926 - October 25, 2022

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Sunday 10/30, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

St. Lawrence Catholic Church

1916 Meharry Street

Lafayette, IN 47904

Monday 10/31, 11:00 am

Paul E. “Spider” Fields, 96, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, October 25, 2022, with family at his side. Spider, as he was known since his childhood, was born in Lafayette, Indiana, to Jacob Jordan Fields and Edna Orr Alexander Fields on September 6, 1926, one of nine children.

As a boy, Spider lived near Columbian Park’s Loeb Stadium where his love of the game of baseball began. He watched baseball games there daily. Members of one of those early teams would throw pop-ups to him. One of them said that he catches them like a spider. Thus, the nickname “Spider” stayed with the young boy for the rest of his life. Spider was the bat boy for the old semi-pro Red Sox team and occasionally appeared in the lineup. He played outfield on the varsity baseball team while attending Jefferson High School.

After graduating from Jeff in 1945, he enlisted in the army and was with the Field Artillery 95th Division stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At the end of WWII, he was honorably discharged in 1946, returning to Lafayette to attend Purdue University. He received his BS degree in 1952 and MS degree in 1960 from Purdue where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

On September 8, 1951, Spider married Amelia Drysdale at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lafayette. They were lifelong members of St. Lawrence. Their strong faith played an important part in their lives. He and Ame recently celebrated their 71st anniversary. He loved his family dearly and was grateful to be blessed with 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He and Ame enjoyed spending time with them and attending their activities.

After teaching for one year at Otterbein, Spider joined the Lafayette School Corporation as a teacher at Sunnyside Junior High School. He taught at Sunnyside from 1952-1969 and 1975-1986. He taught social studies at Jefferson High School from 1969-1975.

Fields served as the Business Manager for the American Legion baseball team in 1954 and 1955. He became the Head Baseball Coach at Jeff in 1960. He served in this position until 1975, compiling a record of 404 wins, 69 losses and one tie. During that time the Bronchos won two State Championships and one Runner-up as well as eight North Central Conference titles. He proudly coached both of his sons. During and after his coaching career, Fields was honored in 1974 as the District 2 National High School Baseball Coach and Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association “Coach of the Year”. He was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, the Lafayette School Corporation Wall of Fame in 2003, and the Loeb Stadium Wall of Fame in 2007.

In addition to teaching, coaching, and helping raise a family, Spider spent his summers running a paving machine for Fauber Construction Company. After his retirement, you could often find him on a golf course playing a round of golf with his family and friends. He was also a 70-year member of the American Legion Post # 11 and member of the 40/8 Voiture

He is survived by his wife Ame Fields, daughter Sue Teder (Don), and sons Jim Fields (Jama-deceased) and Jerry Fields (Brenda). Also surviving are grandchildren Amanda Teder (Charles Lane), Kate Harvath (Jeff), Alison Smith (Jeff), Jordan Fields (Morgan), Jacob Fields (Holly), Jessica Woolf (Dan), Sarah Fields, Matt Fields (Megan) and Nicole Fields, 19 great grandchildren and a brother-in-law Calvin Schrag. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Edna Fields and his siblings Mary Elizabeth Koning (Walt), Frances Larson (Hank), William (Janet), Gordon (Mary), Robert (Ann), Milton (Margaret), Virginia Schrag and infant brother Richard, daughter in law Jama Williams Fields and great granddaughter Addison Fields.

Those desiring may contribute to St. Lawrence Church or Lafayette Jefferson High School Golden Broncho Club C/O Lafayette Jefferson High School 1801 S 18th St, Lafayette, IN 47905

A Rosary Service will begin at 4:45PM with Visitation from 5:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Boulevard. A Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM will be celebrated at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Monday, October 31, 2022, with Fr. Jeff Martin officiating. Burial at Tippecanoe Memorial Gardens follows the Mass.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Sunday 10/30, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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St. Lawrence Catholic Church

1916 Meharry Street

Lafayette, IN 47904

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Monday 10/31, 11:00 am

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See Condolences

Ame and Family, God Bless each of you for allowing us as players to spend so much time with Coach. In recent years I have received many "congratulation notes" from Coach and they will always be treasured. He played a big part in my life and I am forever grateful. Kevin

Ame, Susie, Jim, and Jerry-- I was so sorry to learn of the death of your father. I have always had such great admiration for your family and have so enjoyed all of my interactions with you. May all of your happy memories of Spider bring you comfort and peace. Thinking of you all. Patty Steele

I didn't know the man named Paul Fields, but I certainly knew a man named "Spider" Fields. As a child growing up in the 50's and 60's Spider Fields befriended me, guided me, and watched-out for me in the distance. Spider was an impactful fun-loving comedian similar to my uncle Jim, and my father; all entertainers, especially when the families gathered often at our home, the lake, or at their homes. My mother, Ame, my aunts, and my grandparents were by no means bystanders, all participated actively, all in their own unique humorous ways to party and have fun! We were all a big neighborhood family. Growing up Jimmy Fields and I canvassed the neighborhood riding our bikes, playing basketball, baseball, kick-ball, and exploring the neighborhood woods, fields, and adjacent neighborhoods. Jimmy's brother Jerry (Beaner) would tag along with us when Spider or Amy told us to include him or when he forced his way into our gang of neighborhood friends (I love you Beaner). Suzy Fields, Jim & Jerry's older sister, would at times tolerate the "The Boys" play, but wanted no part of our frenzied play-time craziness (I love you too Sue). Spider Fields is a God-loving, fun-loving father, husband, mentor, athlete, teacher, coach, competitor, and friend. I thank Spider Fields and his family for befriending me and for their influence in creating my foundation of "who I am." rtr

In memory of Paul “Spider” E. Fields, Robert Riehle lit a candle

RIP Coach ! To the Fields family , my thoughts are with you!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sending my deepest condolences! R.I.P. Mr Fields ?♥️

I enjoyed taking care of him he was a great guy he will be missed rest in peace

Sue and family, My heart is heavy for you. I remember his well when your kids were young. I also remember the great treats of morel mushrooms he used to bring you and we sometimes would get some. I know he was loved a lot and you all will miss him. My best to your mom as well. Nell Kretzschmar

God bless the family. My childhood would not been the same without spider and the Robert's family. All my love.

My heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of Mr. Fields. He was great mentor as a teacher and coach. I was fortunate to have him as both. He will always be known as a true Lafayette legend and a Loyal Jeff Broncho. Rest In Peace and God Bless. Mark T. Beck

Jim and Family: A true legend to all who knew him. Some great memories of our NCC battles and conversations at Jeff basketball games. Will truly be missed by all. Thinking of you and family at this difficult time but the great memories you all have! Ron Barsh Kokomo High School Coach and Athletic Director

Ame, Sue, Jim, Jerry My condolences, I always enjoyed talking with your mom and Dad when they were out walking in the neighborhood!! Will never forget the ride on the paver when they did the street!! Joe Conn

Your father changed my life. I was a horrible student in high school. I had no direction in my life. I decided to move to CALIFORNIA and live with mother and stepfather. I went to Mass one last time at St. Lawrence. After Mass I ran in into Mr.Field. He called me over to talk to me. I told Mr. Fields my plan. He placed his arm around me and said "Ted, you are very smart, I you are! You just don't know it. Your from a good family who has done so much for the poor in Lafayette. Please make them proud, you can do it, you are smart. I moved to California with the encouragement of Mr. Fields. I was able to get into a program that Ford Motor Company had at the time and spent one year at Ford Marketing Institute in Dearborn. I learned how to run every department at a Ford Dealership. Accounting, sales, warranty, financing and insurance, service, bodysuit, and parts. I graduated first of the class and was given a position at Coberly Ford in Los Angeles. I have always thought of Mr Fields encouragement he gave me. A few years back I called his home and told him what his encouragement did for me. Thank you Mr Fields. Tell my Father Bob hello. You both served together. Ted Maloney

I was honored to make and present a Quilt of Valor to Mr. Fields to honor him for his time spent serving our country. I enjoyed meeting him and being able to present his quilt to him. Such a very sweet man who truly made this world a better place and touched so many lives. My condolences for the loss of such a beloved family member.

My prayers and deepest condolences to “Spider’s” wife and family. Spider was a friend for all seasons and so respected by all who knew him. No one could tell a story better than Spider. R.I.P. my friend….. knowing you touched the lives of all of us in so many unforgettable ways!

To the entire family our deepest condolences. Spider was a caring and competitive person. God broke the mold when he was created. I will always remember his thoughtfulness in reaching out to me after my brother Dave's death a few years ago. It spoke volumes about the kindness, dignity and sincerity of one of the greatest people to grace not only sporting world but also as an educator at Sunnyside Junior High where he taught with my father Harlan Wilson. May all of you find peace in the fact that he will be resting in heaven.

Mr Fields was one of my teacher's at Sunnyside Junior High. A short 8 years later Spider and I were good friends and euchre partners. You could not find a more gracious or better person than Spider. He will dearly be missed, but never forgotten by all that knew him.

Ame/Jimmy/Jerry/Family, not much can be said about the greatness of Paul Fields that hasn't already been stated. He was a mentor to many, including myself. His baseball acumen and counsel was special and won't be surpassed-Jefferson High school and the State of Indiana has lost a legend. May God bless your family, and may Coach rest in peace.

RIP

My deepest condolences to the entire family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Spider will be missed by so many. He was a great man. He and Ame had a wonderful life. Praying for Ame and family. ??❤️??

Ame and family , We are so sorry for your loss. Spider was an amazing guy and we always enjoyed visiting with you at the Legion and hearing his jokes. What a wonderful life he had. He will live in the hearts of many people. May God give you strength and peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.