Wilson A. Fields, a longtime businessman, farmer and devoted family man remembered as Pete and Papaw, died October 19, 2026, in Brownwood. He was 92.
Family members gathered from near and far during the days before his death, surrounding him with love. A graveside service honoring his life is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, October 23, at Bangs Cemetery in Bangs. Brother Pat Riley will officiate. Heartland Funeral Home in Early is handling arrangements.
A life built around work, faith and family
Fields was born June 25, 1934, in Young County to Lester Burton Fields and Lorena Ophelia Canada Fields. He was raised and educated in Oney and graduated from Olney High School in 1952.
In February 1972, Fields and his twin brother, Walter D. Fields, known as Dub, opened Nipco Inc. in Odessa. Fields took pride in his work and believed in showing up and giving his best each day. He carried that expectation into his family life and passed the same work ethic on to his sons.
Retirement did not end his working days. In 2000, Fields and his wife, Anna Darlene Fields, moved full time to their farm in Bangs. There, he cared for the land, tended cattle and made sure the cats around the property did not go hungry.
When the work was finished, Fields enjoyed sitting in his rocking chair or on the porch swing and watching the sunset. He also found comfort in familiar routines, including reading the comics in the newspaper and watching the news.
Faith and family in Brownwood and Bangs
Faith remained central throughout Fields’ life. He and Darlene belonged to Crescent Park Baptist Church in Odessa for more than 20 years and later became members of Bangs Baptist Church after moving to their farm. Even when age made Sunday school and Wednesday evening services difficult, he continued attending Sunday morning worship and listening to the Bible on his iPad each evening.
The Fields home was a gathering place for friends and family. Guests played dominoes, especially 42, while grandchildren joined in games of Skip-Bo and Phase 10. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, and family members remembered children running to him whenever they entered the home.
Fields was the father of five sons with his former wife, Helen: Brent, Weldon, Dean, Guy and Kelly. He married Darlene in 1978, and their marriage lasted 43 years until her death in 2021. Through that marriage, his family also included stepchildren Linnea, Kimberley and Kenneth. Later, his grandson Jeremy took the Fields name.
Survivors and remembrance
Fields was preceded in death by Darlene; his twin brother, Dub; his son Weldon, who died in 1995; and other family members.
He is survived by Brent and his wife, Cindy, of Brownwood; Dean and his wife, Karen, of Brownwood; Guy and his wife, Susan, of Odessa; Kelly of Dallas; and Jeremy and his wife, Jeanette, of Virginia. His surviving stepchildren are Linnea of Midland, Kimberley of Wichita, and Kenneth and his wife, Stephanie, of Fate. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family members said Fields will be remembered for his faith, steady work and life as a farmer, but most of all as a beloved Papaw whose influence will continue through the generations.
Flowers are being provided by Bangs Flower & Gift Shop. The family also expressed thanks to Chatfield Assisted Living for its care and kindness during Fields’ final months. Online condolences, memories and tributes may be shared at Heartland Funeral Home.