William Fields

WILLIAM ELGIE FIELDS – better known as "Bill" to his family and friends, Age 79 of Santa Fe, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was preceded in Death by his parents Tate and Eva Fields who he was born to on July 21, 1925 in Vian, Oklahoma. He was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Sherwood Fields and a sister Evanell Bushnell and Brother in law, Harry Batchelor. Bill attended the University of New Mexico where he received a B.S in Civil Engineering in 1950 and worked for many years and retired as a civil and hydrolics engineer. During his career, his activities included serving as Chief of Indian Affairs, worked with the National Park Service from 1958 - 1987, worked with Navajo, Zuni and Hopi tribes on park proposals. He worked for five years as a liaison to all the tribes in the United States and possessions. He also worked for Indian programs to better their social and economic life. Bill served in the military from July 1942 – December 1945 with the United States Marine Corp. during World War II. He served at the Guadalcanal, New Georgia and Bougainville. He worked with the Navajo Code talkers during World War II as well. From December 1945 – June 1950 he was a member of the US Marine Corp Reserve and from June 1950 – July 1985 served in the New Mexico National Guard. He retired as Colonel in the Army and Brigadier General in the New Mexico State Guard. His volunteer services include: Board of Directors, Winds of Life Foundation, Board of Directors, Buffalo tour for reinstatement of Buffalo to reservations. Board of Directors, Southwestern College in Santa Fe, and Board of Directors, American Indian Art Mentor Program, with SWAIA and MOWW His awards include: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Service Medals (Army, State of New Mexico National Guard Association) and the Meritorious service medal (Army and National Park Service). Bill traveled throughout the United States and some in the Pacific and Europe as well. When talking about himself, he stated, "I'm not much on talking about myself. Born of an Indian father and a white mother. I moved to New Mexico at the age of one and was raised on or near Navajo and Hopi reservations. I have lived in Santa Fe for more than 42 years. William E. Fields is survived by the mother of his children, Doris Madox Taylor, formerly of Farmington, Nm, previously living in Tucson, AZ, his wife of many years, Pricilla Fields (of Santa Fe), a sister; Juanita Batchelor (of Florida), His Children; Frank Fields and wife Gail of Tucson, Wendy Fields-Montoya and husband Phillip of Santa Fe, Crystal Fields-Lucero of Santa Fe, Antonio Sanchez of Dixon, Nick Sanchez and wife Nook of Santa Fe, Craig Sanchez and wife (deceaced) +Barbara Sanchez of Blanco, NM, Jimmy Sanchez and wife Emily Lucero- Sanchez of Santa Fe and Rose Cordova and Husband Tom Cordova of Santa Fe. Grandchildren; Kristi Kay Torres, Karen Jo Fields, Nicole Wilcox, Jessica Fields, Kami Kiesov, Riesha D'Angelico, Rachael Bransford, Veronica Lucero, Jennifer Sanchez, Andre Sanchez, Michelle Martinez, Victoria Sanchez, Mya Cordova, Santiago Sanchez and Soledad Sanchez. Great Grandchildren; David Torres, Anna Torres, Gabriel Fields, Lauren Ronstadt, Charlotte Ronstadt, Sean William "Bill Fields, Ryan Fields, Gary Mendez, Micah D'Angelico, Christian Bransford, Daniel Martinez, Diego Martinez, Dominic Martinez. Serving as pallbearers are: Tom Cordova, Jerry Lucero, Phillip Montoya Jr., Dion D'Angelico, Alex Bransford, Sean William "Bill" Fields. Honorary Pallbearers are: Master General Franklin Miles Lieutenant Colonel Bill Shrecengost Major Joe Rael, and Lieutenant General Gordon Sumner A Devotional Service will be held on Sunday January 30th at 6 PM at the Sweeney Convention Center on 201 W. Marcy St. in Santa Fe, the Funeral Service will be held on Monday January 31st at 10:00 AM also at the Sweeney Convention Center. Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1 PM with full military honors. The family of William E. "Bill" Fields have entrusted the care of his arrangements to the Rivera family of Block Salazar Mortuary of the Espanola Valley, 753-2288, 1 800 443-4854