Charlie K. Field PhD

Charlie K. Field, PhD. of Saint Joseph, Michigan died Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the age 91 in St. Joseph. A Visitation will be held for family and friends from 6 PM to 9 PM Tuesday, June 28, at Dey- Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Services, 2506 Niles Ave, Saint Joseph Michigan. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday June 29, 2011 at the First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave, Saint Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating where he was a member. Burial will be private at Riverview Cemetery prior to the memorial service. Memorial Donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Saint Joseph, Michigan, Saint Joseph –Lincoln Township Senior Center, or the Heritage Center. Please share memories at www.florin.net. Dr. Field was born November 8, 1919 in Redkey, Indiana. He resided in Berrien County since 1959. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during WWII, November 1941 to November 1945. He was Personnel and Labor Relations Director for four companies in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan after which he became a Consultant and Arbitrator. Later he entered the academic ranks as Professor and Dean at Lake Michigan College. Dr. Field was President of Rotary Clubs in Saint Joseph- Benton Harbor, Niles Michigan, Winchester Indiana, and Marshall, Illinois. He was also a member and officer of several state, national, and area personnel, education, and civic organizations. He authored a number of professional publications. He wrote a book on the history of the U.S.S Thomas (DE-102) about WWII in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean where he served as the Captains Talker on the ship. He also wrote and published five historically based novels. Dr. Field retired in 1983 as Dean Emeritus of Lake Michigan College. One of his passions in life was travel and because of this he visited 47 countries and islands. He also enjoyed playing euchre at the senior center. He never missed Saturday Brunch with the beach bums, who referred to themselves as “Charlie’s Angels.” He also enjoyed Sunday concerts at the municipal band shell, and was also a member of the Economic Club. He is survived by his loving wife Priscilla U. Byrns-Field and was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Thelma Louise Field in 2001. Also by his four daughters, Dianne and the late Larry Welchko of Chicago, Sandra (Chad High) of Saint Joseph, Susan and the late Wayne Ludlam of Cape Coral, Florida and Barbara (Richard) Freridge of Saint Joseph, and by six grandchildren, David, Kelley, Amy, Amber, Rob, and Josh and also by six great-grandchildren Hailey, Troy, Larrs, Lucas, Logan, and Alyssa. He was also survived by his stepchildren, Steve (Tom Lollar) Byrns, Carrie (Neil) Vill, Katie (Aubrey) McClendon, Mindy (Eamonn) O’Brien and step grandchildren, Jack, Callie, Will, Julia, Maddie, Conor and Meg. He will be greatly missed as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and by everyone he touched.

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Charlie K. Field PhD

June 8, 1919 - June 26, 2011