Carl Edward Fields

‘A man of quiet strength, a generous heart, and a life lived with simple kindness toward everyone and everything around him.’

Carl Edward Fields, 88, known to most simply as “Ed,” passed away peacefully at his home in Goshen, Utah, on March 8, 2026. He had recently been diagnosed with cancer, and spent his final days surrounded by the care and love of two dear friends he considered family, Wendy Smith and Chris Seeley, along with several family members, close friends, and his loyal companion, Bear.

Ed was born August 18, 1937, in Eureka, Utah, to Carl Howard Fields and Florence Rodda. The youngest of five children, he grew up exploring the hills and mountains around Eureka on foot and horseback, developing the independence and love of the outdoors that would stay with him throughout his life. He attended school in Eureka and in 1956 graduated from Tintic High School before serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, spending part of his service stationed in Germany.

Ed worked various jobs, including positions in the local mining industry and at Hill Air Force Base before finding a place where he would leave a lasting mark—working for the Tintic School District as Maintenance Director. There, he helped care for the school buildings and occasionally drove the bus, but his role meant far more than the title suggested. Known for his ability to solve problems, his steady work ethic, and his kind nature, Ed became a trusted friend to faculty and staff and a respected presence to the many students who passed through the halls. Through his hard work and genuine kindness, he built lifelong friendships and quietly helped make the district and community a better place.

Ed had a lifelong soft spot for animals and rarely turned one away in need. In his later years, his greatest companions were his beloved dogs—Shadow, Sparky, and finally Bear. Many in Goshen will remember the familiar sight of Ed walking through town in his black cowboy hat with his “furever friend” faithfully at his side.

Ed was married three times during his life. Early in his life, he married Virginia Smith, though the marriage later ended in divorce. He later married Bernita Smith Craig and became a devoted stepfather to her three children before that marriage also ended in divorce.

On October 12, 1985, Ed married the love of his life and best friend, Ludene Stewart Dean. Both were working for the Tintic School District when their lives came together. Their home in Goshen soon became a place filled with warmth, laughter, and open doors for friends and family alike. Ed and Ludene shared a love for camping, fishing, exploring backroads, and traveling, but the time they cherished most was spent with their grandchildren. Their partnership was one of deep friendship and devotion, lasting until Ludene’s passing in 2016.

Those who knew Ed will remember his steady kindness, his willingness to lend a hand, and the quiet way he cared for people and animals alike. His absence will leave a space in many hearts, but those who loved him find comfort in the thought of the joyful reunion he now shares with those who went before him.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ludene; his parents, Carl and Florence; his brothers Robert (Bob) and Heber; his sister Virginia; stepdaughter Carla Fields; and son-in-law Brad Larson.

He is survived by his brother, Howard Fields of Eureka, Utah; stepdaughter Laray Larson of Winnemucca, Nevada; son-in-law/nephew Robert Fields of Prescott, Arizona; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews throughout the United States.

A viewing will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Brown Family Mortuary, 66 South 300 East, Santaquin, Utah. Graveside services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah. Flowers and donations may be sent to Brown Family Mortuary in Santaquin, UT.