Eugene at age 16. This image was isolated from his class photo taken during his sophomore year. Eugene was killed while riding his bicycle shortly after this photo was taken.

BICYCLE-AUTO COLLISION BRINGS DEATH TO EUGENE FIELD

ANOTHER ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON Wednesday afternoon of last week shortly after 5 o'clock on U. S. 6 when Eugene Chester Field on a bicycle collided with an auto driven by Frank N. Centlivere, of Fort Wayne. Eugene died at the home of his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Harvey Field on Saturday morning at about 12:30 from injuries sustained.

Being interested in some of his school studies Eugene had left home early Wednesday morning to find some specimens for the class at school, taught by Charles Byers. Not finding what he wanted as he had to get to school he again started on his search Wednesday evening after school accompanied by Arthur Sharp, a neighbor boy and playmate. The two were returning to their homes when the accident occurred. Just what happened is not known. The boys turned on to U. S. 6 from the unimproved road leading south just west of the city and started eastward. A strong wind, cyclonic in its nature had sprung up and indications seemed to show that a gust caused the boy to turn back onto the pavement to keep his balance and this was done just in time for the front wheel of the bicycle to strike the passing car. The collision threw the boy against the side of the car and he was then pitched across the concrete to strike upon his face in the gravel in the lane leading to the Kuhns home just west of Nappanee.

Mr. Centlivre stopped his car partly in the ditch in his attempt to avoid the collision. He went to the boy's assistance, hurried to Nappanee and took a doctor to the scene. The youngster was taken to the parents' home where everything was done but to no avail and he passed away Saturday after much suffering.

Besides his parents Eugene leaves three brothers, Leslie, Howard and Glen and three sisters, Myrtle, Mary and Rae Ellen. He was born on June 12, 1920 at Valparaiso, Ind., and came to Nappanee in 1927. He was active in Boy Scout work and though no troop was active at the Methodist church, where he belonged as a member of the church, he associated himself with the troop at the Presbyterian church. He was the highest ranking active scout in the city at the time of his death. He was a sophomore in the Nappanee high school and president of the Friendly Neighbor club, an organization of children of about his age which had been organized in the west part of the city. He had peddled the Shoppers Guide in the west part of the city for the past two years and was one of the best known youngsters in the city because of a ready smile and a quick response to all advances on the part of those he met. He will long be remembered by those he came in contact with.

Funeral services were held at the home on West Market street Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. R. J. Burns of the Methodist church of Fort Wayne officiating and interment was in the Violett cemetery, south of Goshen, under the direction of Undertaker A. E. Wright. Rev. Burns was pastor of the Nappanee Methodist church when Eugene voluntarily joined the church and as he was a personal friend of Mr. Burns it was appreciated by the family that the minister received leave of absence from the conference which was being held at Kokomo and came to have charge of the service.

IN APPRECIATION

As editor of the Advanced News I have attempted to give our subscribers as near a correct story as could be had of the accident. This has been one of the hardest tasks ever confronted by me. My wife and I and every member of the family want to express our thanks to everyone that helped us in our trying moments. Expressions of sympathy sending of flowers, assisting in the preparing of meals and countless other acts by our many friends are services which words cannot answer. Hundreds of friends called to extend sympathy and offer services and in this small way we want everyone to know we appreciate this more than can be said. Please accept this as our thanks to you. Harvey Field, Ed.

From the Nappanee Advance-News
Nappanee, Ind.,
Thursday, April 23,1936

PAGES FROM EUGENE'S DIARY

Links relating to Eugene Chester Field

Obituaries of Harvey Oliver Field, Nappanee (1889-1966) Eugene's father

Obituary of Mrs. Marie Field, Nappanee (1891-1966) Eugene's mother

Violet Cemetery, Waterford Mills, Elkhart County, Indiana