Elmer Lewis Fields

Elmer L. Fields, 78, of Elkhart, died on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Elkhart General Hospital. Elmer was born to Robert and Mattie Fields in Trenton, Tennessee on March 18, 1942.  

Elmer is preceded in death by his father (Robert), mother (Mattie), brothers (William and Oliver), sisters (Jenny Cartwright, Ola Terry and Ruby Curry).  Elmer graduated from Rosenwald High School.  At the age of 21, he and Mattie relocated to Elkhart, Indiana where they started their family.

 Elmer had a very infectious personality, always willing to share in laughter.  After his family, baseball and softball were two of his greatest loves.  He played baseball several years with the “Elkhart Clowns;” and fastpitch softball with the “Elkhart Foundry.”  He later enjoyed years of success and camaraderie with the renowned “Minority Merchants.” He was a longtime Chicago Bulls fan – especially during the Michael Jordan era.  Adding to his favorite pastimes was hunting during the winter with his brothers and family members. He also enjoyed fishing throughout the summer with family.  

Elmer received Jesus as Lord and Savior at an early age.  He was a longtime member of Canaan Baptist Church. He and Mattie later became two of the founding members of Agape Missionary Baptist Church where he continued faithfully serving as an usher until his health began to decline.  After retirement from Elkhart Foundry, Elmer found joy in “framing.”  He created many styles of frames and included prints of family, inspirational quotes and sports figures.  Many people were blessed by the gifts of his hands.  Lastly, Elmer always believed in hard work.  He faithfully planted and cultivated many gardens over the course of his life – blessing his family and many more with the harvest.

Left to cherish Elmer’s memory are his wife of 57 years, Mattie; Children: Greg (Katrina), Joyce Fields, Kelvin (Erin), Erica Gary (David), Kristy Fields-Hunt (Kenneth).  He was richly blessed with 31 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren.  Brothers: Robert, James and Thomas; Sister: Mary “Liz” Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation for Elmer will be Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 11am to 12pm at AGAPE Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart with a service to follow at 12noon at the church. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elmer Lewis Fields, please visit our floral store.