Richard L. Fitzpatrick USAF, Retired Maj.

(July 5, 1921 - January 3, 2011)

Richard L. Fitzpatrick USAF, Retired Maj, beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away Jan. 3, 2011 in Palestine, Tx. Richard was born in Boston, Mass. in 1921.

He met the love of his life, Margaret, in 1943 while working together at Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego, Cal. They were married in Yuma, Az. the same year. They were married 68 years.

He became an Air Force Cadet and was sent to pilot training and officer’s school in San Antonio and graduated in 1944. His military career lasted many years until his retirement in 1964.

The Fitzpatrick’s settled with their family on a ranch in Bois D’Arc, where Richard continued his flying career as a helicopter instructor at Southern Airways in Mineral Wells. He continued his flying career as a helicopter pilot for Air Logistics flying crews to offshore rigs in Galveston, and to fires in Alaska. He and Margaret became active members of the Pea Pickers Square and Round Dance Club in Athens, where Richard served as president. They moved to Athens in 1998 and then to Palestine in 2008.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandchild Ryan Lee Fitzpatrick. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their children Richard Fitzpatrick and wife Terry of Elkhart, Susan Fitzpatrick of Denver, Co. and Sandra Fitzpatrick and partner Maria Wiseman of Washington, DC.; their grandchildren Michael Bice and wife Leanne of Denver, Co., Diana Letkomiller and husband Mark of Denver, Co., Tiffany Yelmene and husband Vincent of Wasilla, Ak., Gregory Mansfield of Washington, DC., Kayce Fitzpatrick of Houston, Tx., Katie Wiseman of Washington, DC., Nicholas Wiseman of Washington, DC., and their many great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Bailey and Foster, Palestine. Services will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at Bailey & Foster Chapel.