Joe Arnold Fielder

Joe Arnold Fielder, 79, longtime Abilene resident, died Friday July 1, 2016 at a local hospital. A memorial service honoring his life will be held at First Baptist Church, Abilene, on Tuesday, July 5th at 2:00 pm., directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the Welcome Center of the church. Joe was born January 10, 1937 in Anson, Texas to Leonard Dee and Opal Burleson Fielder. After family moved to Abilene in 1943, he attended North Park Elementary School and graduated from Abilene High School in 1955 where he played saxophone in the Eagle Band. He attended Hardin-Simmons University until 1957 when he joined the Army National Guard and served for six years. Joe married Gayla Lewis in Abilene on August 18, 1961. They resided in Abilene their entire married life. Their lives were blessed with the birth of two children, Melinda and Russell. They faithfully followed their children's and grandchildren's activities as they were growing up. Joe enjoyed being outdoors skiing, camping, boating, fishing, and hunting with his friends and family. He and Gayla also enjoyed all types of travel-plane, travel trailer, cruises, and car-to almost all the states in the US as well as several foreign countries. He was a loyal fan and regular attender to cheer on his favorite teams- the AHS Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Rangers. Joe used his many talents including woodworking/carpentry, electrical, and handyman skills at home and for others. He was always the first to help anyone with any project, and could build or repair just about anything. His strong work ethic was established early with his first job at age 14. He worked at a grocery store, a service station, Larry's Better Burger, and Gandy's Creamery while spending his summers lifeguarding at the VFW swimming pool. After completing AHS, he worked at Timex for several years until he began a lifetime career with WTU, now AEP, working as an electrical engineering technician where he designed and oversaw the construction of high voltage substations. After retiring from AEP, he worked as a carpenter for several years. The grandson of Baptist minister Walter Dee Fielder, Joe remained true to his faith and was first a member of University Baptist Church where he began his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was baptized, then North Park Baptist Church where he and Gayla were married, before joining First Baptist Church in 1977 where he remained an active member until his death. He faithfully served for many years as a deacon, on numerous committees, and sang in the choir and men's ensembles. He volunteered for several mission trips where he used his carpentry and electrical talents to build or repair homes and churches. He was known for his quick-wit and snappy one-liners, his patient and caring spirit, his multi-talents, his helpful nature, and his love and devotion to God, family, Church and friends. Joe was definitely one in a million, and was dearly loved and respected by all that knew him. He is already greatly missed. Survivors include his loving wife of almost 55 years, Gayla; daughter Melinda Payne and husband Chas of Abilene; son Russell Fielder and wife Shannon of Prosper, TX; his four precious grandchildren Riley Fielder, Alyssa, Hunter and Makenna Payne; and brother-in-law Don Lewis and wife Sue of Abilene. He is also survived and loved by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, many of them, as well as friends of Melinda and Russell, loved him as a second father. His dog Bentley was his special buddy and very devoted to him. Joe was preceeded in death by his parents, and a sister, Dee Ann Marshall. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Music Dept or Missions Projects or a favorite charity.