Eugene Fields, who also answered to Gene, Droop, Sarge, Pop, and Grandpa, 96, of Hartford, West Virginia, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a brief illness.

He was born October 10, 1928, in Hartford, a son of the late William "Wid" Fields, Jr., and Maggie (Cunningham) Fields.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty (Badgley) Fields; his son, Michael "Mike" Fields; siblings, Clyde Fields, Geraldine "Sis" Crites, Earl Fields, Donnie Fields, and Wayne Fields; and several other extended family members.

Gene was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving with the branch from its inception in 1947 until 1967, when he retired as a technical sergeant. Over the years, his service took him to Germany, France, Japan, and Korea, as well as Kansas, California, Texas, Washington, Alaska, and South Carolina. His loyalty to the military was apparent in his love of all things red, white, and blue, both figuratively and literally – even the metal roof of his house featured red, white, and blue stripes.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Gene worked at Foote Mineral Company for 18 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9926 of Mason, West Virginia, American Legion Post 140 of New Haven, West Virginia, Masonic Lodge 23 of Clifton, West Virginia, and United Steelworkers.

In his spare time, Gene enjoyed farming, hunting mushrooms, and riding his four-wheeler. He also liked watching old Westerns on TV as he relaxed in his easy chair, often with a snack (or three) within arm's reach. His no-nonsense approach to life made him easy to get along with, and he was always quick to offer "advice" to anyone willing to listen. He was also a home-grown supervisor through and through, most recently giving his final seal of approval on a pond he and his son built in the pasture behind his home.

His smile when meeting him and willingness to help all in need will sorely be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Gene is survived by his sons, Patrick "Pat" (Edda) Fields of Hartford, West Virginia, and Ray (Carolyn) Fields of New Haven, West Virginia; daughter-in-law, Connie Fields of Gallipolis, Ohio; his grandchildren, Jill Fields of Mason, West Virginia, Justin (Corinne) Fields of Worthington, Ohio, Adam (Rachel) Fields of West Columbia, West Virginia, Jerrod (Jodie) Ball of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nicole Fields of Huntington, West Virginia, Ryan Fields of Racine, Ohio, Hillary (Jeff) Harris of Lavalette, West Virginia, Miranda Fields of Columbus, Ohio, and Jodie (Todd) Fields of Hartford, West Virginia; great-grandchildren, Clarissa, Joseph, Isabella, Beckett, Harry, Wesley, Conner, Gage, Wyatt, Zach, Keaton, Henry, Stella, and Ozzie; bonus grandchildren, Tonya (Rob) Ervin of Wellston, Ohio, Amber Smith of Racine, Ohio, and Aaron Ohlinger of Racine, Ohio; bonus great-grandchildren, Colton, Caden, Cyan, Jaxon, Collin, and Waylon; his sister, Doris Greuser (Bill) of Racine, Ohio; several great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A military graveside service will take place at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Graham Cemetery in New Haven, West Virginia, with Pastor Mike Finnicum officiating. Burial will follow. The family will welcome friends and neighbors at Foglesong-Casto Funeral Home in Mason, West Virginia, from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service.

Foglesong-Casto Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.foglesongfuneralhome.com.