Obituary: Robert William Field, 64, of Shelby

Bob Field

Obituary: Robert William Field, 64, of Shelby

Robert William “Bob” Field, 64, of Shelby passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility in Hart. Bob was born in Shelby on November 18, 1958, the son of William and Elizabeth (Eilers) Field. 

Bob spent his youth on the Field farm west of Shelby, and attended Shelby schools where he was a standout football player, and where he finished second in state in the 1977 wrestling tournament. After high school Bob spent time in the construction trades in Houston, Texas, but he soon returned to Oceana County where he worked as a carpenter and on the family fruit and asparagus farm.

Bob’s career in carpentry started alongside his father as they built homes while Bob was still in high school, and he enjoyed working with many great contractors in Oceana County. He enjoyed taking new hires under his wing, showing them how things were done properly, both in carpentry and in life. Lifelong friendships were made on the job. He especially enjoyed posting pictures of the world from his perspective, sometimes from high in the dunes atop a new home overlooking Lake Michigan, or something as simple as a praying mantis clinging to a shovel handle in the chill of morning.

Bob loved rock and roll, country, and the blues. His knowledge of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band was unsurpassed. Bob also loved to read, and he compiled a library of books in his house. Rarely did you leave without a book in your hand when you spent time with Bob. When his nieces were in town he’d always bring them books that he thought they might enjoy, and his favorite presents were gift certificates to bookstores. 

His family and friends were of utmost importance to Bob. Quite simply, when Bob was your friend, you knew you had a friend, indeed. Even as his health failed, Bob continued to make the rounds through his beloved Oceana County, checking in on friends to catch up and share stories.

Bob is survived by his son William (Catherine) Field; his grandchildren Shiloh, Jack, and Sofia Field; his brother Ross (Jean Lewis) Field; special nieces Julia Field and Madeline Field; and dear aunts, cousins, and innumerable friends, especially Chuck Fohlbrook, Ron Coon, and Eva Marie Pranger, who traveled at Bob’s side during his last journey. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents William and Elizabeth Field, and by many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family is thankful for the care provided by Elara Caring Hospice and the staff at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility and SKLD Whitehall.

A memorial service is planned for family and friends at 4 p.m., Saturday, October 7, at Evergreen Cemetery at Stony Lake. Memorials may be directed to the Hart Area Public Library or the Shelby Area District Library.

Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home, Shelby.