Robert L. Fields

Robert Lee Fields, Sr. "Bob" was the third child born to the late T. L. Fields Sr. and Rosa L. Fields Barr on August 14, 1928, in Docena, Alabama. His sister, Hattie Mae Tinsley, and brothers T.L. Jr. and Nathadias Fields preceded him in death. Bob's family moved from Docena to Lynch Kentucky where his early education was in the Lynch school system. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Cleveland where Robert attended high school. Following high school, Bob sought employment at Murray Ohio. Following an injury at Murray Ohio, he became employed with Elster Enterprise and remained there until his retirement to a life of leisure. Robert was not a sit still type of person and soon sought other lines of work including chauffeuring, as a cook (Hot Sauce Williams), mentoring and various other jobs. Bob accepted Christ at an early age at St. John African Methodist Episcopal church on 40th and Central Avenue and later joined Beth-EI African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in the late '50s. Bob loved to sing and was a member of the singing group Singing Crusaders of Cleveland. They sang in many states and was often featured at the Apollo Theatre in New York. Bob was a 33-degree mason, grandmaster and a life member of the Cleveland Chapter of the Eastern Kentucky Social Club. For over fifty years he kept close touch with the members of the Club. He served as a past vice-president, event organizer, and treasurer. Bob looked forward to their yearly reunions where he was able to shake hands with the men and kiss the women. As an active member of Beth-EI A.M.E. Zion church, Bob attended Sunday School, was always available to offer words of encouragement, sang with the Senior Choir, the Gospel Choir, the SGV Choir, helped with the feeding ministry of Wednesdays and chief of security for Vacation Bible School. He was a member of the Men's Progressive Club mentoring young men and a founding member of the Emmett David Foster (EDF) Male Choir. He especially enjoyed traveling with the men to other churches to sing praises unto God and was always excited in anticipation of the annual Men's Gospel Extravaganza. Robert heard the call of His Lord and Savior at Hospice of the Western Reserve and readily answered. Along with his parents and siblings, two sons preceded him in death; Robert Jr. and Samuel Trent. Leaving to remember him are his loving and devoted wife of fifty-four (54) years, Sarah; two children, Patricia (Paul) Conner and Ronald (Valerie) Trent; daughters-in-law, Tammy Trent and Torella Trent; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, two Goddaughters LaShaunda (Kenney) Gardner and LaToya (Reggie) Carr and a host of family and friends.