Keith Fitzwater, Class of 1956, passed away Tuesday, November 19.

Keith once made hatchdoors for submarines, which not many people have in their work history.

Sister Karen Fitzwater Pausch is Class of 1961.

Brother Don Fitzwater, Class of 1966, once was married to  Sylvia Ann Hulderman Fitzwater Edwards, Class of 1967, who later married Edward Edwards, Class of 1967, now deceased. Sylvia’s late mother was Olive Jane Kniceley Hulderman, who married Virgil Pitman and Raymond Hulderman, and her siblings were Raymond “Bugs” Hulderman, Class of 1966; Tom Hulderman, Class of 1969, and Don Pitman, Class of 1962.

Keith’s other siblings, whose parents were Otmer and Missouri Fitzwater, are Kenny Fitzwater of Largo, Florida and Larry Fitzwater of Worthington.

Keith’s obituary:

Richard Keith “Keith” Fitzwater, 80, of Fairmont, entered into eternal life with the Lord on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Fitzwater’s Gracious Living. Keith was born on March 25, 1939, in Worthington, a son of the late Otmer and Missouri Fitzwater.

 

 Keith was the oldest of five siblings. He is survived by his sister, Karen Pausch, of Chesterland, Ohio; three brothers, Kenny Fitzwater, of Largo, Florida, Larry Fitzwater, of Worthington, and Don Fitzwater, of Fairmont, where Keith made his home for the last several years, after suffering a devastating stroke.

 

 He graduated from Monongah High School in 1956 and afterwards moved to Ohio to start his career. He worked for Oberbeek & Cain, making hatch doors for submarines, until their closing; he later went to work for Taylor Chairs making furniture. Keith’s real passion was auto mechanics; he taught journeyman to prepare for their certification. He was a master mechanic. Keith loved working with his hands and worked hard to master every skill of his trade; his work ethic was undeniable, and even when the workday was done, he would return home eager to start a new project. He saw potential in things others saw worthless. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors and his gardens. He was a perfectionist and if he couldn’t fix it, it could not be fixed. His word was his bond.

 

 Keith leaves behind his four children: Brian Fitzwater and wife Dee, Keith Fitzwater “Little Fitz”, Danny Fitzwater and wife Chris, and his only daughter, Sharon Bish and husband, Gary. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

 

 Keith’s life is showcased by the words of Stephen Grelett: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

The family wishes to thank caregivers, Mike Morris, David Yoho, and Amedisys Hospice for their excellent care and support.

 

 Family and friends may be received at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant St., Fairmont, on Sunday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., with a Prayer Vigil at 6:00 p.m. with Sister Stella Cronauer CST, and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019, with Pastor Darren Alkire officiating. Interment will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens.