Carl P. Fields

CARL PATRICK FIELDS Loving husband, father, brother and friend, Carl Patrick Fields, 71, went to be with our Lord on October 7, 2007. Carl was born to the late John and Blanche Fields in Appalachia, VA, a small coal mining town in the Appalachian Mountains. Known as Pat to his family members and hometown friends, Carl always had a smile on his face and a kind word for his friends. He was well-known for his easygoing personality, homespun charm, quick wit, simple tastes and strong character. Because of his fun and likable personality, he was voted Most Popular Senior among his classmates at Appalachia High School. Also during his high school career, Carl was involved in civic and social clubs, as well as nearly every organized sport. A stand-out in basketball, Carl was offered a partial college scholarship, but instead he chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Air Force. Most of his military career was spent in England where he was trained as an air traffic controller. Upon his discharge, Carl joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and took his first job as an air traffic controller in Virginia Beach, VA. It was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Stephenson, an elementary school teacher from Franklin, VA. It was Carl's great sense of humor, gentle manner and bright blue eyes that caught Barbara's attention on their very first date and convinced her that they belonged together forever. They were married on July 15, 1961, just seven months after their first date. Soon afterwards, Carl joined the staff of the newly built Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. He helped direct air traffic on opening day when President John F. Kennedy dedicated the new facility. Because he was part of the opening crew, a photo featuring Carl at work in the tower appeared in the World Book Encyclopedia. Once they were settled in their careers, Carl and Barbara started a family bringing two wonderful children into this world, Robert Patrick Fields and Joanna Faye Weidman. He always made time for them -- ensuring they gathered for family dinner each night, entertaining them with silly antics, planning fun family vacations and taking them on weekend camping trips. Despite the difficult hours and stresses of his job, Carl enjoyed the work and received recognition for his achievements. His career instilled in him a love of flying, including hops on military fighter jets, and commercial airliners to destinations ranging from Hawaii and Mexico to Las Vegas. After 35 years with the FAA, Carl retired in 1990 to spend more time with his family and enjoy his many hobbies. He and Barbara traveled the world, taking exotic vacations to France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Poland, Alaska, the Caribbean and other far-flung destinations. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Carl also played golf 2-3 times each week and enjoyed watching virtually every sport on TV (sometimes simultaneously). He also completed the crossword puzzle every morning, worked on his computer everyday and read a tall stack of books each month. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his wife, visiting with his children and playing with his grandkids. Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Barbara, and their children, Joanna Faye Weidman and her husband Gordon, of San Antonio, TX, and Robert Patrick Fields and his wife Robin, of The Woodlands, TX., as well as his grandchildren Robert Barley Fields, Karsten Fields, Wyatt Cotton Fields and Katrina Weidman. He is also survived by his brother Bill Fields and his wife Roberta, of Simpsonville, SC; his sister Joanne Leedy, of Appalachia, VA; his youngest brother Fred Fields and his wife Alicia, of Pennington Gap, VA; his sister-in-law Faye Evans and her husband Russ, of San Antonio, TX; as well as his many nieces and nephews. Carl will be remembered during a visitation from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 9th at Porter Loring Mortuary North. MEMORIAL SERVICE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007 10:30 A.M. ALAMO HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 BROADWAY Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church, 6201 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary North.