Rev. Robert W. Fields, 98, of Nappanee, Ind., died Wednesday morning at his residence.

He was born Aug. 27, 1914, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Robert and Nora Alma Carter Fields. He was married to Ruth Randall August 22, 1936 in Springfield, Ohio. She preceded in death May 15, 2003.

Rev. Fields was a graduate of Bellefountaine High School and attended Anderson Universtiy. He was ordained as a Minister of the Church of God in 1948.  Rev. and Mrs. Fields served in Eaton, Nappanee, LaGrange, Lafayette, and Olive Bethel Churches. He retired and moved back to Nappanee in 1984, where he continued to be active in the Nappanee First Church of God.

He was a member of the Nappanee Ministerial Association and the North Central Indiana Church of God Ministers. For many years he was honored to play the taps for the Nappanee American Legion for military funerals. He also enjoyed playing trumpet and trombone for the church. He always felt his music was a part of his ministry. Over his lifetime he had donated over 16 gallons of blood to the Red Cross.  He enjoyed Real Service Lunches and visiting with Seniors at the Elder Haus in Nappanee.  Rev. Fields enjoyed riding his 3 wheel bike around Nappanee, especially in parades, he also enjoyed woodcarving as a hobby.

Surviving are sons: Ronald W. (Connie) Fields, Syracuse, Ind.; James L. (Beverly) Fields, Interlachen, Fla.; grandchildren: R. Eric Fields, H. Tyrone Fields, Kim Fields, Nathaniel Fields, and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister: Mary Jane Lambert; and brothers: Cloyce and John L. Fields.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and for 1 hour prior to the funeral service which will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Church of God. Rev. Sam Bennett will officiate and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be given to the First Church of God.