Ernest L. Fields, 65, of Champaign, passed away at 6:44 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.

You could call him Ernest and you could call him Nesto, but you didn’t dare call him Ernie.

Ernest was born on August 10, 1958, in Vicksburg, the son of Ernest Ellis and Ida Fields Bass.

Ernest began service in the U.S. Army in 1979 and was honorably discharged in 1999.

After his military retirement, he worked at various federal agencies and at the time of his death he was a Security Specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center in Champaign.

He is survived by his companion and caregiver, Kim Ignasiak; his four daughters, Brooke Allen (Joseph Sr), Aleysia Fields, Yvette Fields and Regina Fields; his grandchildren, Joseph Jr, Mariah, Alexander (AJ) and Jacob Allen; his sister, Carla Fields; his brother, Armond Bass; his stepfather, George Bass; his Aunt Ruby Wilson, Aunt Edna Washington and Aunt Joyce Fields; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother David; his grandmother Maggie Fields; his grandmother Gertrude Washington; and his wife, Sharon Fields.

Ernest was a simple man with a great sense of humor who put faith and family first and he will be missed by many.

He enjoyed watching WWE wrestling, the NBA and different car shows. He also loved playing cards and dominoes with his friends.

A celebration of Ernest’s life and military service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the COPD Foundation in Ernest’s name at www.copdfoundation.org.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com