August 17, 1936 ~ February 10, 2016
Donald Duane Fitch was born August 17, 1936 at home in rural Grant County, the second child of Frank and Pearl (Stewart) Fitch. He died Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in an ATV accident on the family farm at the age of 79.
Don grew up in rural Kay County near Newkirk, OK. He attended Banner Elementary School and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1954. After high school he farmed with his dad and worked at the Blackwell Foundry. He worked part time at Lake Supreme Ranch where he met and fell in love with the rancher’s daughter, Karen Lee White. They were married on August 3, 1957 in the Christian Church in Peckham, OK. In 1958 they moved to their present home in Grant County, OK where he farmed, raised livestock, and worked at various jobs including working for his dear friend, Milfred Reser. He also worked at Downing Implement and Grant County FSA where he retired in 2008. Don’s life revolved around his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved being involved in their activities, traveling to ball games, and helping them on various projects.
Don is survived by his wife, Karen, of the home; four children, Kevin and wife Lori of South Haven, KS, Doug and wife Shellie of Lamont, OK, Monty and wife Chris of Caldwell, KS, and Annette and husband Ken of Medford, OK; grandchildren Lindsey Fitch, Kalen and Shelbie Fitch, Joe Liley, Ben and Halee Liley, Matt Liley, Ryan and Erin Fitch; step-grandchildren Heather and Dale Bledsoe, Erin Hill, Kemper and Kirby Hill, Megan and Chris Jones, Nathaniel Zulkoski, Shiloh and Barry Rosenberg, MacKenzie and Marcus Givens; great-grandchildren Oliver Liley, Braden and Brice Bledsoe, Piper Hill, Eden Jones, Cameron and Mia Rosenberg, Gideon and Sariah Givens; one brother, Kenny and wife Kathy of Newkirk, OK, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Ranae Denise, his parents, two brothers Eldon and Larry Fitch, and two sisters Dorothy White and Carolyn Benham.
Funeral services wil be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Central Christian Church in Caldwell. Rev. Craig VanDeburgh will officiate.
Memorials may be given in memory of Don to the Sumner County Hospital District #1 in Caldwell or to Miller EMS of Medford, Oklahoma.
Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.
Visitation will be held at the mortuary from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Dear Karen, Kevin, Doug, Monty, Annette:
Kevin and Ginge... - 02/12/2016
We are so saddened to hear of Don's passing. Please know that our prayers are with you and his extended family. He was a very loving, kind man who will be missed.
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Dear Karen and kids
Rick and Elaine... - 02/12/2016
It doesn't seem possible that Don has passed from this life and our attention. Don and your family were such a good part of our lives and we sorely grieve with you now. I remember his easy smile and kind eyes, always willing to include us kids with his when doing the chores or delivering a few bales of hay out of the old GMC pickup. Some people get dealt more hardships than others in this life and I always thought this the case with Don but If he ever showed it, I didn't see it in him nor believe that it shook his faith in God. There are very few people I consider as being truely good in nature, conscience, attitude, loyalty, friendliness and Godliness. Don is at the top of that list of people I have come across in my life. Knowing how this has affected our family (Mom, Dad, and us older kids that grew up a short time with your family), I can only imagine how hard it is for you to say goodby. I find solace in having such a good memory of what a wonderful human being he was. Heaven is definately a better place today, now that Don is in it. Love to your family, Rick and Elaine
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Dear Karen, Kevin, Doug,
Don & Cindy (Ma... - 02/12/2016
Dear Karen, Kevin, Doug, Monty, Anette, and their families,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this time of loss. We pray for God's peace and comfort for you.
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Dear Fitch Family
B.J. and Tobie ... - 02/12/2016
I have such good memories of Don and the ways he cared for his family (grandkids especially) even his church family. Our hearts are broken for you all. Please know that we are praying God's abiding presence would carry you through this tragedy. Wish we could be there for you in person. John 14:1-3
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Dear Karen and Family,
Rolen Sell - 02/13/2016
What a shock! We are just so very sorry. We never felt like we had much opportunity to get to know Don on a firsthand basis but in our brief encounters he seemed to be a wonderful man. And, with what you, Karen, have shared with us about him and all of your family, we know that he had a huge impact on all of you. May God continue to surround all of you with His arms and may He shower you with his grace as you face today and the days ahead without Don. We sure wish we were closer so we could give you a hug but we know that you have many, many friends who will be loving on you. We shall continue to uphold you in our prayers. God bless. Rolie & Betty Jo
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To the Fitch families
Sarah Mapel - 02/13/2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
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Dear Karen and family.
Ginny(Van Fleet... - 02/13/2016
I know there was rejoycing in heaven when Don entered those gates. Now you have another guardian angel to look after you. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you, I know your faith will see you through. Love, Ginny
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Dear Fitch Family,
Velasquez and P... - 02/13/2016
At a time when words are hard to find and express; our love, prayers and thoughts are with each one of you. When someone we love so dearly as Dad, goes home to be with the Lord; we know he is in a better place, but our sorrow and pain is still great. It is with heartfelt sympathy that we the Velasquez and Perez families want to send our condolences to our dear and loved Mom (Karen); Annette & Ken; Kevin & Lori; Doug & Shellie; Monty & Chris; Grandma White; Ben, Hallie & little Oliver; Joe; Matt; Lindsey; Kalen & Shelbie; Ryan & Erin; all the Fitch Family and relatives. Our hearts are broken for Dad and for you but we are praying that the Lord will hold you especially close and comfort you through the coming days, and that you will be strengthened by His peace and that His promise of eternal life sustain each one of you during this time of great loss. We love you so much!-“Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” Mathew 5:4
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Dear Karen, Kevin, Doug, Monty, Annette, and all the family,
Janet Faggart - 02/14/2016
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Father God comforts us all with HIs mercy and love (2 Cor. 1:3). I'm praying for that comfort for you.
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Dear Karen and Family
Steve and Patri... - 02/14/2016
Dear Karen,
I was sorry to hear of Don's passing. I always had the deepest respect for Don. He was a kind and honorable person, and even though we havent seen each other in many years I never stopped caring about Don and his family. He had a positive influence on me as a male role model. He also had high moral standards and lived by them. Don was a good example as to how a man is supposed to live and he will be greatly missed by all.
Sincerely,
Steven Callaway
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Kevin and Lori and the Fitch
Greg and Prisci... - 02/14/2016
Kevin and Lori and the Fitch family,
We are just now learning of your loss. So sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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To Karen and Family
Roy Innis - 02/15/2016
To Karen and Family
Don was a highly respected family man who will be missed by everyone. His legacy will continue
through you and your children. May God Bless each of you.
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Dear Karen and Family
MarySue Ziba - 02/15/2016
I was so sorry to hear about Don. Just wanted to let you know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
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Karen, I didn't think I'd get
Jo Ann Boyer - 02/17/2016
Karen, I didn't think I'd get to see you at the funeral, but just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Don. God be with you in the days ahead, when you will need Him most. Love, Jo Ann.
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Karen and Family
Steve Adams - 02/27/2016
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I have so many great memories of time spent around him and the rest of the family. Don was a hard working man of great character that I always admired. He always had such a boyish grin! My heatfelt sympathy goes out to all of you in this time of loss. I pray God will grant you strength in this difficult time.
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