D. J. Fields

The gates of heaven have opened this morning, the angels are singing, and D. J. has been called by his Lord to enter the kingdom of Heaven on April 2, 2009 at 3:30 a.m. After a brave and courageous battle with lung cancer, he is now free and with all his family in Heaven celebrating, and what a wonderful reunion they must be having.

D. J. was born in Melvin Texas on August 31, 1931 to Dennis Fields and Zema Beulah Longworth Fields. He was seventh of eight children born to this union. He grew up and attended school in Eden, Texas. After graduating he joined the Navy, serving for eight years. He was a veteran of the Korean War Conflict and was assigned to the Leonard F. Mason DD-852. He married the love of his life on August 12, 1983. They traveled all over the country enjoying life together, and as he put it, for the first time in his life he was truly happy and truly in love.

D. J. was a wonderful man who had a God-given gift for meeting the public. He owned restaurants from California all the way to Texas through his lifetime, among many other professions. He had been a very successful entrepreneur all his life and brought so much happiness and laughter to all who crossed his path. Anybody who had ever known him would remember him for the Inn of The West Restaurant. D. J. had a story to tell to everybody, and they didn’t seem to care if he had just told them the same story the day before, he always made it sound funnier the next time. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. He was kind and full of love, a man who brought a smile to everyone’s face and laughter to their hearts, and his laughter was infectious.

D. J. loved his family with all his heart. He was a wonderful family man. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He always had time for his children and their needs. D. J. loved all of his extended family like his own.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Jinx Fields. He is also survived by his three wonderful children, Greg Fields and wife, Kay of Columbus, Ohio; Debby Levell of Arlington; and Deanna Davis of Hurst. He is also survived by four grandchildren, but one granddaughter was very close and special to him, Vicki Stephenson and husband, Cooper; his great-grandson named after him, “Dylan Jay,” one great-granddaughter, and special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

D. J. was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Ima Jackson Culp, Rita F. Scott, Adelle Waldrop Engdahl, Altha M. Leath, Roena Stewart, and Leonora Neve; and one brother, Arlis R. Fields.

It is often said you come into this world alone and you die alone. I know D. J. has lived a good life and has loved all people the way God wants us to love each other. We know that he is leaving us now to go into God’s arms for His care. It is like it says in Revelation 21:4—He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.

My darling, you were so brave, and we will miss you so very much. You have been the strongest and bravest person I have ever known. You have endured so much to stay with me for as long as you did, and you never complained; you just kept fighting until you couldn’t fight any more. Bless your precious heart, no one could have done it better and tried as hard as you. My darling, it is time to rest now, and believe me, as hard as it is on us, you are at peace, and you deserve to rest in a much better place. Rest well, my darling, and I know you will be watching over us from Heaven.

The family will be at Lange Funeral Home on Friday, April 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for visitation. You can view the online register at ballingerfuneralhome.com. A celebration of D. J.’s life will be at First Christian Church, Broadway and Murrell, Ballinger, Texas (325-365-2794) Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with Lynn Smith officiating. Military graveside services and interment will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Rest Haven Cemetery in Brady, Texas, North Highway 87.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Ballinger Hospice for its care of D. J. throughout his illness. We would especially like to thank Sonja Rose for the respect, dedication, expertise, and love shown to D. J. and the family during his illness. The cheerfulness, warmth, and friendship of the entire staff will always be remembered. Special thanks also to the Hospice Chaplin, Bobby Broyles, for his many prayers, love, and visits, and to Jeff, the Social Services Counselor, for his comforting talks with the family. We also want to thank the Hospice Team at Abilene Hendricks Anderson Center 7th Floor. You all were so very caring and compassionate to D. J. and the family during this very difficult time.