🕊️ OBITUARY: Mark Alan Fields 🕊️
Mark Alan Fields, 73, of Bedford, passed away on August 17, 2026, at IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
Born August 14, 1953, he was the son of Leonard M. and Esther M. (Bivins) Fields. Mark first married Rita Alcorn, who preceded him in death. On October 14, 2023, he married Kathy Fulkerson. Mark retired from Peabody Coal as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church of Bedford. He enjoyed farming, fishing, listening to music, going to concerts, and visiting Florida. Known for his positive and respectful nature, he was a skilled builder, a great listener, and often reassured his loved ones with his favorite saying, “Oh, it will be okay. That is minor.”
👨👩👧👦 Survivors Include: • Wife: Kathy Fields
• Children: Angela (Jason) Tritle, Shannon (Chris) Keith, Justin (Jessica) Fields, BJ (Christina) Fulkerson, and April Fulkerson-Lane
• Grandchildren: Brittany (Corbin) Worland, Kathryn (Braxton) Yeryar, Olivia Keith, Charlie Keith, Carter Fields, Patrick Fields, Cameron Lane, Grace Fulkerson, Clairann Lane, and Gabe Fulkerson
• Great-Grandchild: Briggs Worland
• Brother: Michael “Tom” Fields
🕊️ Preceded in Death By: • His parents
• First Wife: Rita Alcorn
• Brothers: Archie Fields and Bob Fields
• Sister: Carolyn Haws
🕯️ Service Details: • Visitation: Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Day & Carter Mortuary
• Funeral Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Elmwood Chapel of Day & Carter Mortuary
• Burial: Leatherwood Cemetery
💻 Condolences:
Online condolences may be shared atwww.daycarter.com
Written by
Read next
Police Log 08/21-08/24
Police Log: August 21 – 24, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes key law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from August 21 through the early morning hours of August 24, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests * Michael N. Jones (48): Arrested by Bedford Police at 20th St & N🕊️ OBITUARY: Kraig Matthew Smoot 🕊️
Kraig Matthew Smoot, 34, of Bedford, passed away in his home on August 17, 2026. Born on January 20, 1992, he was the son of Keith and Kathy Smoot. Kraig was a 2011 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School, where he excelled at both football and basketball. He went on to attend the College of Mount St. Joseph, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance. Kraig will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and charismatic personality. He loved sports, video games, music, shoe
🕊️ OBITUARY: Judith “Judy” Elaine Terry
Judith “Judy” Elaine Terry, 84, formerly of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Redcrest Hospice House in Bloomington. Born November 8, 1941, in Kansas City, MO, she was the daughter of Robert Elmo Wilson and Melba Deboil Creech-Wilson. On August 25, 1962, she married James Edwin “Jim” Terry, who survives. Judy was a 1959 graduate of Paoli High School, earned a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana State University in 1963, and later earned a master's degree from Indiana
🕊️ OBITUARY: Peggy A. (Conley) Ritchison 🕊️
Peggy A. (Conley) Ritchison, 89, of Bedford, died on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the home of her daughter. Born March 26, 1937, in Bedford, she was the daughter of Francis Luther "Pat" and Grace Minnie (Rodgers) Conley. At age 19, she married Don Ritchison on August 4, 1956, who preceded her in death in 2000. Peggy worked at RCA before devoting her life to being a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed fishing at the river, camping, traveling, making wine, canning, cooking, baking, and spending time with
Police Log 09/09/2026
Police Log: September 8 – 9, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes key law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from early morning on September 8 through early morning on September 9, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Emmalee Grace Renee Magers (20), Bedford
EXAMINING LAWRENCE COUNTY'S PROBATION SYSTEM: COSTS, CASELOADS, AND RECOVERY RESOURCES
BEDFORD — Over the last few months, local jail status reports have shown a steady uptick in probation-related holds. The number of individuals detained on Petitions to Revoke (PTR) or Parole Violations (PV) jumped from 11 to 16 in a matter of days. Because community supervision holds are a primary driver of sustained jail occupancy, questions are surfacing about how county probation policies, officer compensation, fee structures, and violation procedures operate day-to-day.
LCIS RESPONDS TO FACILITY INQUIRIES: STATE HEALTH VISIT CONFIRMS ELEVATED HUMIDITY, SCHOOL EVALUATING HVAC & CLEANING PROPOSALS
FAYETTEVILLE, IN — Following community concerns regarding facility conditions at Lawrence County Independent Schools (LCIS), school administration has issued a formal response addressing the operational status of the building's climate control systems and indoor environment. In a statement signed by Director of Schools Joanne Symcox, LCIS acknowledged ongoing performance issues with portions of the HVAC system, specifically regarding its ability to manage temperature and humidity levels during