"I really enjoyed my time working for Luther at station 35. He was always very kind to me and taught me a lot. He was a great storyteller and had a good sense of humor. I remember we wormed him pretty solid on his last day of work and he endured it with a smile. He will be missed. My condolences and prayers to his family. John Butz"
In loving memory of
Luther Van Field
May 26, 1941 - November 8, 2020
Field, Luther Van "Luke"
On Sunday morning, November 8th, 2020 at the age of 79, Luther Van Field, who went by "Luke" passed away and entered the presence of the Lord. Born in Austin, Texas, on the 26th of May 1941 in East Austin, to Amy Pauline Guinn "Polly" and Perry Alton Field. Born into a working-class family, He had a tough childhood growing up in Austin which led him to be a quiet, self-reliant, honest, and humble man. Luke married and had two children: Marilyn and Perry. He divorced and raised his two children on his own. He said that he was so very grateful to raise his kids. Luke was loyal and dedicated to his children and later his grandchildren. He was very protective and shielded them from the troubles of life and the world. He would guide his children through hard times, helping them to persevere, instilling in them a strong work ethic dominated by integrity. Luke was a private person and was very selective about who he let into his inner circle. He always said that he cherished his relationship with his family and did not need others in his life.
Luke was a dedicated fire fighter with the city of Austin. He retired a Battalion Chief in 1997 from the Austin Fire Department after 29 years of service to his community. Throughout his life, Luke displayed a dry and sometimes goofy sense of humor which could only be described as hilarious. His last words, said to his anesthesiologist, "Hey, if this goes south, don't worry about it". Other than his sense of humor, he was known for his strong sense of integrity, and dedication to his family. He loved UT football, watching every game he could with his daughter Marilyn. They often joked, if cut, Luke would bleed Burnt Orange. When someone would share that they were an Aggie, he would gently respond, "I'll pray for you".
Luke leaves behind his daughter, Marilyn Hammack and her husband James, his son, Perry Field and his significant other, Cory Frances Perez, his grandchildren Tiffany Reynolds and her husband Josh, Kody Hammack, Jacob Hammack and Joshua Hammack.
Please join Luke's family in celebrating his remarkable life with a time of visitation on Thursday, November 12th, 2020 from 3:00pm to 6:00 pm at Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas. Graveside services will follow on Friday November 13th, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr. Austin, Texas.
Please keep Luke's family and friends in your prayers as they heal from their sudden loss.
Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Luke's family on his On-line memorial site.
Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200
Tributes
"I had the honor to have served under Luther as a young firefighter. He was that officer that never got rattled. But he was also the kind of officer that it was always fun to work around. Those are two tremendous qualities that encompass being a great firehouse leader but only on occasion do you find someone with who has can demonstrate both qualities equally well. Thank you for setting that fine example for me so many years ago. My deepest condolences to your family and may God provide them some comfort in the coming months. "
"I remember you as Captain Field when I came to Station 19 as a rookie in 1982. Thanks for your leadership and your humor (worms!) You shown dedication and professionalism in our noble profession!"