Merlin D. Fields

Merlin D. Fields, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at his home in McPherson. He had been a McPherson resident since 1959 and worked most of his life in the construction business. He initially worked for Pyle Construction Company and later for Harold Schlender. He eventually became a partner in Fields and Johnson Construction Company before taking a position with the N.C.R.A. Refinery as Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor. After retirement, he continued to work part time on the staff of Stockham Family Funeral Home as a funeral assistant.

He was born June 7, 1941, in Satanta, Kansas, the son of Russell O. and Vera E. (Postlewait) Fields. He came to McPherson in 1959 to attend Central Christian College, where he graduated with an Associate Degree and later taught an Industrial Arts class.

On August 12, 1961, he married Marilyn R. Vanderhoofven in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was a member of McPherson Free Methodist Church and the BYKOTA Sunday School Class.

Survivors include: his wife, Marilyn of the home; three sons, Stephen Fields (Mai) of Ada, OK, Jeff Fields (Heather) of McPherson, and Greg Fields (Keri) of McPherson; a sister, Carolyn Hawkins (James) of Kansas City, KS; and nine grandchildren, Evan, Connor, Gavin, Samantha, Ellie, Abby, Addison, Aidan, and Axton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, December 8, 2014, at McPherson Free Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Griffith, Rev. Deborah Somerville, and Rev. Tom Mayse officiating. Burial will follow in McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday at the Free Methodist Church, with the family receiving friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to Elyria Christian School or Central Christian College of Kansas in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Merlin D. Fields please visit our Sympathy Store.