Dr. Thomas H. Fields Jr.

1934 - 2017

Dr. Thomas H. Fields, Jr. went to live with his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2017 after a lengthy terminal illness. He passed away peacefully at home after prayerful good byes from his family. Dr. Fields was born in Jonesville, La. on September 10, 1934, to parents, Thomas H Fields, Sr. and Vena Boyd Fields, who predeceased him. He attended Ouachita Parish High School, graduating in 1952. He received his B.S. at LSU in Baton Rouge in 1956 and his M.D. at LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 1959. He then completed a residency program at Veterans Memorial Hospital. He then continued his residence service at LSU Charity Hospital in Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Surgery, finishing in 1964. He moved to Monroe in 1964 where he practiced until his retirement in 2010. He performed many new innovations in sinus, inner ear and mastoid surgical procedures in the Monroe area during his career. He continued working after "retirement" at Morehouse General Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St Francis Wound Healing Center, and the State's ENT Clinic for children at the Ouachita Parish Health unit until final retirement in May 2017. He was a member of the Ouachita Medical Society, Louisiana State Medical Society, serving as a delegate at State Conventions, the Southern Medical Association and the American Medical Association. During his residency, he joined the Air National Guard and was attached to the 159th fighter interceptor group of the Air Force Reserve serving in the Tactical Surgery Unit at Alvin Calendar Air Field in Chalmette, LA, and later at England Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Major in 1977. Dr. Fields received a commemorative statement from Governor John Bel Edwards for his commitment to the state's children and youth with special health care needs at the Children's Special Health Services Clinic at the Ouachita Parish Health Unit where he served for over 50 years. Especially dear to his heart was the plaque from the clinic's personnel he received at a reception on his last day with his patients and their parents as special guests. During his residency in New Orleans, Dr. Fields became involved in Shotokan Karate and later founded the Monroe Karate Club, becoming the first to introduce the martial arts to North Louisiana. He also helped form the All-South Karate Federation. He continued training and teaching throughout his life and eventually attained the rank of 4th degree black belt. He also served as physician for Regional and National karate tournaments and also as a judge and was presented with a commendation honoring his years of service before his death. He also served as ringside physician for Apex Fight Association in Monroe and was inducted into their Hall of Fame before his retirement in spring of 2017. He was presented with a plaque and badge, and was appointed Deputy Marshall by the Monroe City Marshall's office. He also received commendations from the Monroe Police Reserves for his years of service from 1989 to 2017; the ULM Football Team presented him with a team jersey honoring his 30 years as a volunteer team physician; and St. Frederick High School's 2017 Nancy Fritsche Service Award for his long-time dedication, service and support as team physician for the football program. He enjoyed annual hunting trips, especially in Alaska, Oregon, Wyoming and west Texas, and locally. He enjoyed rifle range shooting and trying to "out-draw" Gunsmoke's Marshall Matt Dillon on Saturday night TV. Western movies were special favorites and he accumulated a sizeable collection of John Wayne memorabilia and all things western. Dr. Fields met his wife, Donna Ann Comeaux, of Placquemine, LA, while they both worked at Charity Hospital during his ENT residency and later married on September 1, 1962. They have five children from their marriage. In addition to his parents, Dr. Fields was predeceased by a younger brother, Grove E. Fields, and one infant grandchild, Amanda Jordan Cruz. Survivors include his wife, Donna, five children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. His children include: Thomas H Fields, III, wife Tamara Wyles; Erin (Missy) Shaffett, husband Sydney Shaffett (deceased); Leazel McDonald, husband Scott McDonald; Dr. Ronald Fields, wife Julia Bariola; and Charlotte (Lottie) Ross, husband Ken Ross. Grandchildren: Tara Fields, Thomas H Fields, IV; Sydney Camille (Cammi) Shaffett; Tucker McDonald, McKenzie McDonald; Adam Fields, Alex Fields; Noah Ross and Savannah Ross; and great grandchild, Isaac Bennett. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Anitra Fields Hall and husband Larry W. Hall; and one brother, Albert Fields and wife Sharon; and several nieces, nephews and grandnieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Mulhearn Funeral Home on Hwy. 165 in Monroe from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, with a Vigil Wake Service at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2510 Emerson St., Monroe. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 451 Hwy. 151 North in Calhoun, LA. under the direction of Mulhearn's Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Thomas H. Fields IV, Cammie Shaffett, Tucker McDonald, Adam Fields, Alex Fields, and Noah Ross. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Ouachita Medical Society, Dr. Timothy Hanlon, Dr. John Norris, Wayne Dale Hammond, Calvin Miyahira, Les Davis, Larry (Smoke) Matthews, Mr. Takayuki Mikami, Glenn Taylor, past and present members of Monroe Karate Club, and members of the Monroe Police Reserves. The family would like to give special thanks and recognition to the following: Dr. Dennis Sullivan, Dr. Jesse Lapietra, Dr. Clarence (Butch) Dunn, Jr., Dr. Michael Sampognaro, Dr. Scott Barron, Dr. Barry Weinberger, and Dr. Anil Velavalu. We are greatful as well for the services of St. Joseph's Hospice and Alpha Care Home Health. Special thanks are also extended to his nurse, Lauren Holston, and caregiver Denise Glover and to Irma Golley for all her kindnesses throughout the years. The family has been comforted by the visits of Eucharistic ministers, priests, deacons, pastors and chaplains who came to visit and lead us in prayer. If donations are your preference we ask that you consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, Monroe Baptist Children's Home in Monroe, the building fund at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church also in Monroe, St. Frederick High School Building Fund, or the ULM athletic foundation. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA.