‘A Courthouse Legend’: Cleo Fields to lie in state at Oklahoma County Courthouse
Cleo Fields, 87, passed away last month. He shined shoes at the Oklahoma County Courthouse for more than 28 years. He will lie in state Monday at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Photo provided
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners yesterday has passed a historic resolution honoring the life and legacy of Cleophas “Cleo” Fields, a beloved courthouse fixture who was known for decades of quiet service and uplifting spirit left. Fields will become the first person in history to lie in state at the Oklahoma County Courthouse—a distinction reserved for only the most revered public figures.
Fields will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4. There will be brief arrival and departure ceremonies. The public is invited to attend.
A public viewing will take place from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 3 at Temple & Sons Funeral Home, 2801 N. Kelley Ave. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at The Life Church, 2001 NW 178th St.
Fields, 87, died on July 24. He served for more than 28 years shining shoes at the courthouse, after a previous career as a hotel restaurant cook, and restaurant owner.
As a vendor, Fields wasn’t eligible for lying in state honors. The commissioners amended that policy on Wednesday.
The commissioners also approved a resolution honoring Fields.
“Although Cleo was a man of few words,” the resolution reads, “he will always be known for his generous spirit, enormous smile, and kind heart.”
District 1 Commissioner Jason Lowe remembered meeting Fields as a young attorney.
“Your dad was a great man,” said Lowe to Fields’ family who was in attendance. “When I was a young attorney 20-something years ago, he helped me. I remember when I got elected, he told me he was proud of me. I’ll always remember that statement.”
District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson said Fields was a positive presence, even during trying times at the courthouse.
“Every day, no matter how bad the day was, he was always there with a kind word, uplifting spirit, pat you on the back, dust you off, and get you back to it. I loved the guy.”
Rev. Derrick A. Scobey, Senior Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church, said met Fields about seven years ago and was immediately struck by his gentle nature.
“I loved the way Commissioner [Myles] Davidson said that ‘He was more, in essence, than a shoeshine man. He was shining spirits or souls,” he said. “I know it’s been many a low day, a low point, that I have come into the Oklahoma County Courthouse, and he certainly encouraged me. He dusted me off and said, ‘Go and get in that courtroom and deal with what you have to deal with.’”
Scobey also recalled a moment of deep personal connection.
“He told me he went to Douglas High School, which is my alma mater as well. I mentioned my uncle… and he looked at me and said, ‘I knew your grandfather also.’ And if any of you know—when your granddaddy has been gone a long time and someone knows him—it just touches your heart.”
In 2023, the Board formally declared Cleo Fields an official “Courthouse Legend” reaffirmed that title this week. “His life will continue to inspire generations to come,” the resolution states.
Fields was also recognized with the Liberty Bell Award in 2019, which honors non-lawyers who have contributed to strengthening the American system of justice.
One family member stood to thank the commission.
“He would be so proud, and we appreciate all that you all are doing,” she said. “This would mean a lot.”
