Walter Crawford Fields Jr.

Walter Crawford Fields of Poinciana, Fl passed away on February 13, 2025 at the age of 94. He was born December 28, 1930 in Montgomery, Al where he grew up. He attended and graduated cum laude from Samford University, and later graduated from Auburn University where he earned his master’s degree.

Walter served his country for thirty years as an officer in the United States Air Force. During his service, he commanded three Squadrons and an Air Force Group, served on the Committee that developed the Global Positioning System (GPS), and participated in the design and installation of the first global computer controlled messaging system, AUTODIN. Walter retired from the Air Force as a Lt Col and started his second career working as an electrical engineer in the Washington DC area where he designed switch gear for National Emergency Response.

After retiring from his second career in 1994, Walter and his wife moved to Florida. He joined the United States Power Squadrons, an national organization that promotes safe boating and teaches classes to the general public. He was a National Officer of that organization for several years, and during his tenure he chaired the committee that re-wrote and modernized two of their courses, Marine Electronics and Engine Maintenance. He was also a member of the Radio Technical Committee (RTCM) that reviewed and approved all communications equipment used by boats, both commercial and recreational. Walter was also a member of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) and held his ham radio license (W4WCF) for most of his life. While a member of ARRL, Walter wrote two handbooks for its members dealing with using the GPS to aid in ARRL activities.

Walter is survived by his loving wife of forty-three years Norma Ann Hage Fields; his son Walter Fields, III of Port St Joe, Fl; his daughter Joanie Kirk of Poinciana, Florida; his daughter Susan Shannon of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Walter will be interned in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va, with full military honors at a date to be announced.