Forrest Edward (Butch) Fields, age 68, of Washington, Indiana departed from this life on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Batesville, Mississippi while on a fishing trip with his brother Russell and several good friends. Born July 21, 1956 in Richmond, Indiana to the late Rev. Carl E. and Betty Fields, he was the eldest of their four children. The family moved to Daviess County in his early adolescent years; a place he called home for most of his life. Here, he was a member of the Washington Conservation Club and was a participant in Promise Keepers ministries and attended Bethany Christian Church.
Butch graduated from North Daviess High School in 1975. Soon afterwards, he began his career in business and sales starting as an agent with Farm Bureau Insurance, escalating over the next five decades to senior sales and marketing executive with Bergstrom, Inc. Butch’s ability to dream big, desire to never stop learning and finely honed organizational skills (the latter, he credited to his wife) gave him the tools to succeed.
Butch married Cherryl Ann Arney at the age of 19, on September 5, 1975 and they shared 49 beautiful years as husband and wife. From this union, two sons, Shane Edward Fields and Brandon Eugene Fields, were born. Later, Butch was granted the titles of much-loved father-in-law, and beloved grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, some of whom affectionately called him Papaw.
Beyond his work and family, Butch was an avid hunter and fisherman having hunted and fished over much of the U.S. and Canada. He was also a marksman in both firearms and bow and a titleholder of numerous competitions. He was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Washington Conservation Club, the Vincennes Gun Club, and the Riley Conservation Club in Terre Haute.
He leaves behind his wife Cherryl, sons Shane (Bre) and Brandon, grandchildren Hailey Daniels (James), Paige Fields (fiancé Jonathan Early), Landon Patterson, Ryann Fields, River Ballew, and Paisley Shoulders, great grandchildren Ava Fields, Laynee Daniels, Meela Daniels and baby boy due January 2025, his canine companion Remi, brothers Russell (Teressa) Fields and Dan (Courtney) Fields, sister Angella Dougherty (Doug), and brothers-in-law Ron (Evett) Arney and Malon McVey. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Frank and Mary Arney, sister-in-law Jennie Arney McVey and brother-in-law Frank D. Arney. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that all loved him dearly.
Though the loss of Butch is profound, may his zest for life propel them all to carry on.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home 2020 State Steet Washington, IN, the funeral service will also be live streamed and it can be accessed under Forrest’s’ obituary posting on goodwinsieversfh.com. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, October 4, 2024, also, at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home. Butch will be laid to rest at Sugarland Memory Gardens at graveside services immediately following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers for Butch, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Graveyard Outdoors, who will be sponsoring an Annual Wild Turkey Youth Hunt in Honor of Forrest “Butch” Fields for at least four kids for future years to come. Checks can be made directly to “Graveyard Outdoors” and in the memo please write “Forrest ‘Butch’ Fields” so funds are distributed properly.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Butch and his family.
