The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Cleophus “Cleo” Fields and authorized the courthouse to receive him for a lying-in-state ceremony, the first in county history.

Why it matters: The resolution formally recognizes a longtime local figure who provided shoeshine services at the courthouse and was described by commissioners and others as a community fixture; the lying-in-state designation is a ceremonial county honor.

Details and remarks: The resolution, read in full by a commissioner at the meeting, recited Fields’s biography including his birth in Idabel, Oklahoma in 1938, military service, years working in restaurants and as a restaurant owner, the more than 28 years he spent providing professional shoeshine services in Oklahoma City, and awards including the 2019 Liberty Bell Award. The resolution states the county’s intention that Cleo Fields “become the first person in history to lie in state within the Oklahoma County Courthouse, the highest honor the County can bestow.”

Family and community response: A family member, Shareen (identified in remarks), thanked the commissioners and said, “Daddy would be so proud, and we appreciate all that you all are doing.” Commissioners and others offered brief tributes describing Fields as “a blessing,” “a great man,” and “a bright light in this building.”

Ceremony logistics: Officials said the lying-in-state arrival ceremony will be at 10 a.m. Monday following the board’s meeting; the public is invited to the brief ceremony and to a departure ceremony at 4 p.m., with an additional funeral service scheduled the following day at Life Church on 170th (address provided in the meeting). The county noted the courthouse appearance is an official brief ceremony, and the public viewing and funeral arrangements were described for family and community participation.

Board action: A motion to adopt the resolution carried unanimously.

What’s next: The county will host the listed ceremonies; the resolution and ceremonial honors are recorded in the board minutes.