L GERALD FIELDER

L. Gerald Fielder, Missionary Teacher and retired Baylor University Faculty Member, passed away Sunday, August 8, 2004 in San Angelo after an illness of several months. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 14, 2004 at the First Baptist Church Leavell Chapel, and also at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at the Truett Seminary Chapel in Waco, with Dr. Kyle Reese officiating both services. Arrangements are made by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Professor Fielder was born in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, April 26, 1926, to Maudie and Wilson Field, missionaries to China. Because of a strong family tradition he entered Baylor University in 1944 beginning preparation for his chosen field of teaching. He received degrees from Baylor University B.A. in 1948; Vanderbilt University M.A. 1949; Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary B.D. 1954, and American University Ph. D 1969. Mr. Fielder was an Instructor of Political Science, Baylor University in 1949-51; appointed Southern Baptist Missionary to Seinan Gakin University, Fukuoka, Japan 1954 and was a faculty member there 23 years. Upon returning to Baylor in 1976, he served in the Political Science Department until his retirement in 1997. At Baylor with a special love for this birth country, China, Japan and his own United States of America, he broadened his interest to other nations. He became founding Director of the Asian Studies Program, helping to implement the teaching of Japanese and Chinese languages, and the establishment of Faculty/Student exchange programs between Baylor and several universities in Asia. Always optimistic, his optimism was grounded in a firm belief in the ultimate victory of love over hate, good over evil. And though there will always be "Wars and Rumors of Wars", he believed there is a moral responsibility to be seeking peace and justice, good things for our neighbors here and in other lands and well as oneself. Recognizing that his own flawed humanity was common ground with others. He lived his life as a teacher, yet even more so as a learner, a disciple of Christ, striving to be a bridge of understanding between cultures, a channel of God's grace and love toward others. One of his dearest pleasures during retirement was the on going contacts with his former students and other friends, and colleagues here and abroad. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Maudie Albritton Fielder, son Patrick Dale Fielder, brothers, Wilson Fielder, Jr, Richard Byron Fielder, and a sister Golda Jean Fielder Moore. Survivors are: Wife:Jo Beth McKneely Fielder Daughter:Dorcas Elaine Fielder both of San Angelo Sister:Florence McKinney and husband, L.G. of San Angelo Brothers-in-law:Dr. Robert A. Moore of Houston Jack W. McKneely and wife, Claudia Of Georgetown Many cousins, numerous nieces and nephews were cherished by their Uncle Gerald and had on numerous occasions given him much affection; also a host of student friends and colleagues here and abroad. The family thanks each one for their friendship through the years and prayerful support especially during his final illness. To his physicians Dr. Barnett and Dr. Cheruku the family expresses deep appreciation for their compassionate care. With Dr. Barnett there was good-natured banter about the Red Raiders vs. Baylor Bears or life in San Angelo vs. life in Waco; with Dr. Cheruku, stimulating comments about Indian politics. Both relationships gave a warm, human face to medicine. Heartfelt gratitude extends also to the staffs of 5 North and ICU at Shannon Hospital and staff of SCCI, who cared faithfully for him during his final hospitalization with caring sensitivity; and to our caring church family of First Baptist Church, who have surrounded us with their love and prayers. In lieu of flowers the family requests that Memorials be made to Baylor University Global Christian Ventures Fund; First Baptist Church, of San Angelo, Mission Offering Fund; Baptist Memorials Retirement Community in San Angelo; Habitat for Humanity or other beloved charity.