Franklin Reaves Fielder, Sr., born May 8, 1923, passed into the loving arms of the Father on February 7, 2005 at his home in Silsbee. He was surrounded by his family and friends.
Frank served 14 years in the US Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor and a member of Foreign War Post 8574, Silsbee, TX. His medals of distinction included American Defense Service Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
He retired from Bethlehem Steel after twenty-eight years of service and spent the last twenty-five years of his retirement enjoying his family and friends.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Ruth L. Fielder and his four children, daughter Sharon Stark of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; sons, David Fielder of Fredericksburg, Franklin (Butch) Fielder, Jr. and wife, Ethel, of Toledo Bend and Douglas Fielder and wife, Rhonda, of Tyler. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Frank loved his family and his country. He dedicated his life to the ones he loved and always greeted everyone with a smile. He always professed his love for Miss Ruth and hugged his children and grandchildren every time he saw them. He was the kind of fun-loving person who would call and sing Happy Birthday to you on every birthday. He cared deeply for his fellow man and his comrades that he served with in the US Navy, keeping in touch with as many as he could. We will always remember Frank with a smile on our face and a little piece of our hearts that went with him to Heaven.
The family would like to express a special thanks to all the caring and helping hands from Odyssey Hospice and Girling Home Health.
Visitation will be from 5 pm to 9pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee. Services will be at 10 am on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at the funeral home. Franklin will be laid to rest at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Center, Texas.
