Harry Noble Fields

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Harry Noble Fields, age 77, son of Harvey and Clara (Morgan) Fields was born July 11, 1930, in Alton, Ill. He passed away Feb. 14, 2008, at Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon, Mo. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sarah Story and granddaughter Kayla Story.

He is survived by wife Shirley of Mount Vernon; one son Bobby (Biff) and Susan Gentry Jr.; daughters Susan and David Kellogg, Cindy and Lee Compton, Nancy and Ron Frerer, Sara and Mike Denning, Sally Arteaga; son-in-law Kerry Story; 15 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Roxana Community High School, Illinois, in 1948; attended the Missouri School of Mines, Rolla, Mo., and then graduated with his bachelor's from University of Maryland, in 1964; then obtained his specialist degree in education from Pittsburg State University in 1979.

Harry entered the United States Air Force on Aug. 15, 1950, and received his commission on Dec. 23, 1953. His most notable achievements as a navigator were to fly 107 combat missions in Southeast Asia, to be known as the "Typhoon Chaser" throughout the Pacific and to be directly responsible for mapping the northern most part of Alaska. He received many honors to include the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired as a Lt. Colonel on Nov. 1, 1972. After retirement, he taught Air Force Junior ROTC at Nevada High School.

He and his wife Shirley moved to their farm in Yukon, Mo., in 1985 and took great pleasure in making it a piece of heaven on Earth for his children, grandchildren and friends. He became a member of Ozark Baptist Church, in Houston, Mo., and opened his heart and home for numerous young people church gatherings. He became very active as a Gideon and spoke in many churches across Texas County furthering God's kingdom. Out of all his accomplishments, he considered his work for the Lord the greatest.

He was a very loving husband, dad and grandpa. His greatest wish is for all to come to know Jesus as their Savior.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideon Memorial Bible Program.

Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.

Services were held at 2 p.m., at Ozark Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Jetton officiating. Burial was in Ozark Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.