Nelson Stanley Field passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday July 21, 2026 at the age of 87. Nelson was born December 24, 1938 to the late Stanley M. Field and Winnifred E. Field (Andrews) of Columbia. Nelson grew up in Columbia where he began school at the Moor’s Indian Charity school and graduated from Windham High School class of 1956.

Nelson was a gifted baseball and football player starting in his youth and continuing into his 50’s. Nelson played football for the Willimantic Wreckers and baseball for both the Willimantic Twilight League for the Ridges and the Norwich Baseball League for the Thamesville A.C. earning him a spot in the Norwich Baseball Hall of Fame. Nelson was invited to try out for the Houston Colt .45s baseball team, (now the Houston Astros). He did not get that opportunity as he was called up to serve in the U.S. Army where he served in Germany during this time, proudly playing baseball on the base team. Nelson married the love of his life, Olive Rathbun Field in 1969. The two made their home in Columbia where they raised their 4 children. Nelson continued to share his love and knowledge of sports through coaching baseball with the Columbia Recreation Council and football with the Willimantic Midget Football league, in both of which he and Olive were very active members. In addition, Nelson enjoyed many years on his bowling team at Willi Bowl and playing softball with his sons in the Willimac softball league. Nelson was an avid hunter since he was a young boy, alongside his father. He had many years of hunting trips to the Maine hunting camp with his MECONN friends. Nelson also gave many selfless years as an active and now life member of the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department. Nelson made his career as a truck driver and equipment operator, owning his own excavation and lawn services companies for a time, retiring in 2002, giving him more time for he and Olive to spend at their home in Maine. Nelson was a friend to all, always with a smile on his face, a hand to lend or a joke to tell. With all of his accomplishments and adventures his greatest love was his wife, children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Olive Field, son James R. Lester and his sister Phyllis Jensen. Left to carry on his legacy are his children, daughter Nelisa Field Reagan and her husband Rich of Columbia, son Charles Lester of Mansfield, Daughter in Law Lisa Lester of Columbia and daughter Teresa Thompson of Willimantic as well as his cherished grandchildren James W. Lester and his wife Samantha, Amanda Lester, Mallory Thompson, Amber LaFontine and her husband Ed Makuch, and Anna and Caitlin Reagan as well as many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department in Nelson’s name.

Nelson’s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT. His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:00am at the Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rte. 87, Columbia, CT with burial to follow at the Center Cemetery, in Columbia.