Herman Dean Fields....Age 70

ALL SERVICES AT EDDY-BIRCHARD FUNERAL HOME

VISITATION: 6-8 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

SERVICE: 10:30 AM SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015

BURIAL: ST. JOHNS CEMETERY ~ GREELEY, KANSAS
WITH MILITARY HONORS

MEMORIAL: KIDNEY FOUNDATION

Memorials may be sent in care of:
Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430
Osawatomie, KS 66064

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Herman Dean Fields age 70, of Paola, Kansas died Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at the Miami County Medical Center in Paola, Kansas.

Herman was born September 24, 1944 in Osawatomie, the fifth child of seven to Charles Junior and Thelma (Weiland) Fields.

He grew up in Osawatomie and attended school in the Osawatomie school system.

At the age of eighteen Herman enlisted in the United States Navy on October 16, 1962. That one decision lead him to career in the U. S. Navy for over twenty years. Herman served as a member of the fighter squadron 154 on the USS Coral Sea, during his time in the Navy. He did a tour in Vietnam during the height of the conflict in the early 1970’s, and while in Saigon he re-enlisted for the third time, and was well on his way with his military career. Herman advanced his education while in the Navy, receiving his GED, along with several other courses including legal clerk and court reporting. Herman was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on March 31, 1983 after serving (as he would say) “twenty years, six months and four days “.

On October 18, 1985 He married Mary Jane (Sommer) Karigan in Miami, Oklahoma. They made their home in Paola and together they became a family of three sons: Jeffrey, Daniel and Patrick and one daughter Sarah Ann. Herman and Jane would have celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary this October.

Herman worked several different places after his discharge from the Navy. Some include, supervisor for the Daisy Corp, Baker AC/ Heating Service and his most recent was in the maintenance department at Lake Mary in Paola. Leaving Lake Mary due to a stroke, which left him on disability.

Herman was a man with a fantastic sense of humor and loved to tease and joke with everyone. He enjoyed fishing and would take that opportunity any chance he could. However he loved to gamble, he and Jane would frequent the casinos whenever possible. The Hollywood Casino and the Argosy were two of his favorites. Just this February Herman hit a big Jackpot of over twenty thousand dollars, surely a day of joy for both of them.

He and Jane enjoyed meeting with friends (known as the “Tea Club”) most every day. They met in Osawatomie at either the Whistle Stop Café or the Landmark Restaurant for ice tea, good conversation and always a few laughs.

Herman was a loving husband, wonderful father, grandfather and a good friend to many, all whom will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Charles Fields and two sisters: Dorothy Jean Barrett and Beverly Jo Clearwater.

Survivors include his wife Jane of the home, sons Jeffery (Shannon) Fields of Osawatomie, KS, Daniel Karigan of Paola, KS, Patrick Karigan of Garnett, KS and daughter Sarah (Donnie) Trumbly of Paola, KS. Three brothers: Bob (Maureen) Fields of Williams Port, PA, Eddie (Vickie) Fields of Goodman, MO and Ronnie (Jean) Fields of Pueblo, CO, brother-in-law John Sommers of Phoenix, AZ and sister-in-law Marilyn (Kenny) Dykes of Olathe, KS and five grandchildren: Tanier Karigan, Levi Karigan, Justin Moore, Jared Moore, and Jace Trumbly along with many other family and friends.