George Richard Fields

George Richard Fields passed away peacefully at his home in Ripon on May 16, 2023, 3 days after his 100th birthday.  George was born on May 13, 1923 in Stockton, California to parents Charles and Georgia Fields.  George has been a lifelong resident of Ripon and Escalon. 

After graduating from Ripon High School, George enlisted in the US Army and served as a Staff Sergeant during World War II.  After being discharged, George came home and began farming.  He started farming turkeys and then moved into almond and peach farming.  George loved to farm and could get anything to grow.  He enjoyed gardening and eating straight from his garden.  George was very passionate about his involvement with the Lions Club.  He served as a District Governor of 4-A1 Lions in the Central Valley.  He co-founded the North and South All Star High School Football League, playing at the University of the Pacific stadium in Stockton and served on the board for several years.  After retiring, George enjoyed spending time in Tahoe at his cabin with family and friends.  He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his love for animals and his unfailing loyalty to his family. 

George leaves behind his daughter, Joan Sparks (Terry), his grandchildren, Yvette Fields, Milette Fields, Errica Bowman (Emmett), Lance Fields (Sarah), Cameron Sparks (Lindsay), Brooke Stark (Kevin), Matthew Fields (Kendra) and Michael Fields (Haley), along with 14 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Winnifred Fields and his sons, Lyman Fields and Charles Fields. 

Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Fields family.  A Graveside service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon.  Donations in George’s memory may be made to Community Hospice, Noble Hospice or the Ripon Lions Club.