Tom Wayne Fields
OBITUARY
It is with deep sorrow that the Fields family announces the passing of Tom Wayne Fields, beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, and loyal friend on August 5, 2024. Tom fought a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease. Tom was born on April 2, 1935 to Ben and Juanita Fields in Miami, Oklahoma. Both of Tom’s parents were of partial Cherokee descent. This enabled Tom to become a member of the Cherokee Nation, an honor he passed on to his sons and grandchildren. Tom’s family moved to Woodland to join other members of the Fields family when he was two years old. Tom attended Woodland schools and graduating with the class of 1954 from Woodland High School. Tom was unaware that his future wife was in the same class from third grade until she graduated from Woodland High School. After graduation, Tom joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in California for three years and in Germany for one year. Tom flew home from Germany on December 21, 1957 to marry his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Morris. They were married at the First Christian Church of Woodland. After his discharge from the Air Force, Tom attended Sacramento City College where he earned an Associates of Arts degree. Tom then joined the family business of his father-in-law, Les Morris, and worked at Sanitary Dairy for over 30 years. After Sanitary Dairy closed, he and Mr. Morris became partners in Morris and Fields Distributors distributing Crystal Dairy Products. After the company was sold, Tom worked in the sales department of Sunnyside Farms. Tom finished his long career in dairy farming at Dryer’s Ice Cream Company. He retired from Dryer’s in 1999. Tom’s top priority in life was his love for his family. He enjoyed numerous sporting activities with his sons, Jeffrey and Michael. And in later years, with his grandchildren, Jacob, Justin and Joseph. There were numerous camping and fishing trips, but the family’s favorite was our wonderful annual trip to Santa Cruz. One summer, Tom took the family on a very special road trip through Canada. He took many family trips to the Gold Country and explored many areas of California. We did many fun family activities together. Tom will be greatly missed by his family who adored him. Tom belonged to the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Yolo Flyers Club. He enjoyed his golf games with his father-in-law and his many friends from Woodland. In his later years, Tom looked forward to weekly badminton games with his friends at the senior center. One of his many joys was exploring the world on cruises with his wife and his dear brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Erin and Jim Rohde. Tom often said that it was wonderful to see all the exotic places in the world, but he was always glad to return home to Woodland. Tom’s parents, as well as his beloved older sister, Pasty Chapman, and brother-in-law, Jackson Chapman, predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank Leslie and SueDea Cummins Morris. Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Morris Fields; two beloved sons, Jeffery Cummins Fields of Woodland and Michael Thomas Fields and his wife, Laurel Fields of La Pine, Oregon; and three beloved grandsons, Jacob, Justin and Joseph Fields. He also leaves behind his beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Erin Rohde, and their children, Bryn and Christian, and their families. Tom did not want a funeral. There will be a private memorial service with the family. He hoped his friends would remember him with thoughts of the happy times they shared together. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to a charity of their choice. The family extends their sincere thanks to the outstanding staff at Rockville Terrace in Fairfield for making each day easier and more enjoyable for Tom. We also thank the staff at Vitas Hospice for their support of Tom and the family. Woodland Funeral Chapel has made all arrangements for Tom’s funeral.
