Dale Allen Fields

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a very special man in our lives. On April 27th, 2026, at 12:43 a.m., Dale A. Fields Sr., age 67, of Edinburgh, IN, left this world for his heavenly home.

Dale loved whole‑heartedly, forgave fast, and collected people everywhere he went. Some were related by blood, others by marriage, and many simply by the kind of loyalty that doesn’t need a title. To Dale, family was family.

He is survived by his children: Crystal Jansen of Commiskey, IN; Dale Fields Jr. of Dallas, TX; Bridgette Fields of Jackson, MS; Timothy Fields of Jackson, MS; and William Fields of North Vernon, IN.

He is also survived by his bonus children, who came into his life through different chapters but stayed in his heart until the very end: Scott Ball of Terrell, TX; Amanda Bear of North Vernon, IN; and Carrie Day, formerly of Columbus, IN.

He leaves behind so many loved ones, but none who knew him better than his siblings — and boy, did he have a whole lot of them! Left to pass on the many memories made throughout his lifetime are his wonderful sisters, whom he loved dearly: Wanda White of North Vernon, IN; Donna & Ray Cox of North Vernon, IN; Judy & Tim Dill of Columbus, IN; Janice Collins of North Vernon, IN; and Margie Ritchie of North Vernon, IN.

His brothers, an amazing group of men, include: Albert Ritchie of North Vernon, IN; Matthew & Tonya Ritchie of North Vernon, IN; Roger & Tammy Fields of Leitchfield, KY; Mark & Dawn Ritchie of North Vernon, IN; Tracy Ritchie of North Vernon, IN; and Ray Fields of North Vernon, IN.

Dale had one remaining parent here on earth — his Bonus Mom, Mary Fields — and their relationship was a great one, full of love and laughter.

Not to be forgotten is the rest of his huge, loving family that included 19 grandchildren, one great‑granddaughter, and more nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members — all of whom were lucky to know him.

Dale is preceded in death not only by his mother, Julia Ritchie Kert of North Vernon, IN, and father, John William Fields Jr. of Columbus, IN, but also by his beloved bonus daughter, Megan Day of Madison, IN; his brothers Jerry Fields of Leitchfield, KY and Luke Ritchie of North Vernon, IN; and his sister Mona Lou Ritchie of North Vernon, IN.

With a family that big, he still managed to make his mark in this world. He will forever be remembered for his love of dancing at family reunions — always seeming to be the first one out on the floor cutting a rug. And although he mellowed in his later years, everyone who knew him remembers that he gave ’em hell in his twenties. Back in the day, you could always bet he was with his best buds having a jam session. Among those friends, none held a place quite like Larry Jansen of Commiskey, IN — his best friend and honorary brother, who was with him until he took his last breath. Their bond was the kind you don’t explain; it simply was.

These days, Dale loved to fish, loved a good game of euchre, and enjoyed spending time with his loving girlfriend of 12 years, Darlene Cox of Edinburgh, IN.

Although Dale has earned his heavenly wings far sooner than his loved ones expected, those of us who loved him here on earth will forever carry him in our hearts.

Per Dale’s wishes, there will not be a “grievance gathering.” Instead, a Celebration of Life party will be held in his honor at a later date — a gathering filled with music, stories, laughter, and the kind of good‑hearted chaos he would have wanted.

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