Fields, Ray, passed away comfortably on October 16, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 12, 1933 in Central City, KY to Everett (Duck) and Drucie Fields. Ray served in the Air Force for 4 years during the Korean conflict. He stayed in West Palm Beach, FL after his discharge, where he met the love of his life, Mikel. They married and settled there. Ray started his career at Pratt & Whitney as an airplane mechanic, and they had their 3 oldest children. He worked there for 6 years while he finished his undergraduate studies at night.  The family moved to Fort Wayne, IN in 1964 where he finished his degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation, they moved to Paducah, KY and had their youngest daughter.  He had a great career at Union Carbide and Martin Marietta for over 30 years

Ray was a member of St Thomas More Church, in Paducah, from 1967-2022. He was active in the K of C for several years at the fish fry's and Christmas tree sales. He volunteered for St Vincent de Paul for several years.

He prioritized family his entire life, creating memories with his children and grandchildren, planning family beach vacations, movie and ice cream store trips.

In 2022, he moved to St Charles, MO to be closer to family. He enjoyed 3 years in a senior apartment complex where he was nicknamed "the Duke of Paducah"; making new friends and enjoying many fun-filled activities. He was an awesome poker player.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Kevin) Loos of St Charles, Mo, Carol Cochran of Troy, IL, Lawrence (Galen) Fields of Boise, ID and Jackie Story of New Orleans, LA, 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

His sharp wit, insightful perspective and wisdom will be missed.

A private ceremony will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation .

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, Ballwin, MO, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.