Carl Edward Fields

Carl Edward Fields, known to most as “Ed,” passed away peacefully at his home in Goshen, Utah, on March 8, 2026, at the age of 88. A man of quiet strength and a generous heart, he lived with simple kindness toward everyone and everything around him. Diagnosed recently with cancer, he spent his final days surrounded by the care of two dear friends he considered family, Wendy Smith and Chris Seeley, along with family members, close friends, and his loyal dog, Bear.

Born on August 18, 1937, in Eureka, Utah, to Carl Howard Fields and Florence Rodda, Ed was the youngest of five children. He grew up exploring the hills and mountains around Eureka on foot and horseback, developing a lifelong love of the outdoors and a strong sense of independence. After graduating from Tintic High School in 1956, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, with part of his service spent stationed in Germany. He later worked in the local mining industry and at Hill Air Force Base before becoming Maintenance Director for the Tintic School District, where his steady work ethic, problem-solving ability, and kind nature earned him the trust and friendship of faculty, staff, and generations of students.

Ed had a deep affection for animals and rarely turned one away in need. In his later years, his constant companions were his beloved dogs—Shadow, Sparky, and finally Bear. Many in Goshen remember the familiar sight of him walking through town in his black cowboy hat with his faithful dog at his side.

He was married three times. Early in life, he married Virginia Smith, and the marriage later ended in divorce. He later married Bernita Smith Craig and became a devoted stepfather to her three children before that marriage also ended in divorce. On October 12, 1985, he married the love of his life, Ludene Stewart Dean. The two met while working for the Tintic School District, and their home in Goshen became a warm gathering place filled with laughter and open doors for friends and family. Together they enjoyed camping, fishing, exploring backroads, and traveling, but their greatest joy was spending time with their grandchildren. Their devoted partnership lasted until Ludene’s passing in 2016.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Ludene; his parents, Carl and Florence; his brothers Robert and Heber; his sister Virginia; his stepdaughter Carla Fields; and his son-in-law Brad Larson. He is survived by his brother, Howard Fields of Eureka, Utah; his stepdaughter Laray Larson of Winnemucca, Nevada; his son-in-law and nephew Robert Fields of Prescott, Arizona; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews across the United States.