Gary Neil Fields, 85, of Granville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1940, in Marion, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents Royal and Jean Fields, his two sisters, Charlotte Trafzer and Carol Burton. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn L. (Allton) Fields, whom he married on June 15, 1963; his three sons and their families; his sister, Gwen Kramer; and many extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by knowing him. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the family he cherished, the countless lives he touched through his kindness, leadership, and generous heart, and the occasional hummingbird.

Gary was a proud father to Jason Fields, Adam (Danielle) Fields, and Jon (Cari) Fields; a cherished grandfather to Tobey, Grady, Andria (Vinnie) Pestano, Allison Gray, Jack, and Joe; and a joyful great-grandfather to Rowan, Burke, and Izzy. His family will remember his quiet wisdom, gentle spirit, quick wit, and legendary—even mischievous—sense of humor, especially every April Fool's Day. His steady faith, humility, and love for his family were the hallmarks of a life well lived.

Gary lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, and unwavering devotion to his family. Raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work at an early age—a lesson that shaped his character throughout his life. After graduating from Otterbein University, he began his career as an examiner with the Federal Reserve, all while serving in the Ohio Air National Guard. During his time with the Federal Reserve, Gary met a group of bank examiners who all found a love of golf. This group of four built a lasting friendship, along with their wives, that met every year for the famous GTO (Golden Tee Open). They met at various locations all over the country every year at the same time for over fifty years! These lasting friendships were a huge part of Gary and Marilyn’s life together.

After working with the reserve, Gary moved into the private banking sector. As an executive and CEO of several financial institutions, including The Central Trust Company and BancFirst Ohio Corp., Gary became a respected leader in banking, known for his expertise in mergers and acquisitions, his sound judgment, and the genuine care he showed to colleagues, clients, and the communities he served.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Gary was a proud Otterbein football player, serving as the team's kicker and setting several school records while forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. He remained a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan, faithfully cheering on the Scarlet and Gray every Saturday in the fall, and he was a loyal Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers fan through every season.

Golf was one of Gary's greatest joys. He especially treasured playing in the annual Father-Son Tournament at Moundbuilders Country Club each Father's Day weekend with his three sons—a tradition filled with competition, laughter, and lasting memories. In addition to golf, Gary loved to fish. He spent many weekends camping near Lake Erie in search of perch and walleye.

Gary possessed a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. An avid reader, he was rarely without a good book and always enjoyed discussing what he was reading. Never one to stop learning, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a sailboat and traveling to Annapolis, Maryland, to complete a weeklong sailing course.

His commitment to serving others extended well beyond his career. He volunteered all around his community. Gary spent countless hours with organizations that reflected his passions, including the restoration of the Champaign Lady, a World War II B-17 bomber in Urbana, Ohio. He gladly made the drive to help restore this remarkable piece of American history so it could one day fly again. He also served on the board of Hospice of Central Ohio, giving generously of his time and leadership.

Above all, Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marilyn, whom he met while attending Otterbein University. Together they built a home filled with love, faith, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4-7 PM Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect Street, Granville. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, July 23, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway Street, Granville.

Please visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.