Don A. Fitz-Roy
Don A. Fitz-Roy, 66, husband, father and grandfather, passed
away Thursday (Sept. 24, 2009) at his home in Newton, surrounded by his family.
Don was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Great Bend to parents Carolyn Marie (West) and
Albert Loring (Rex) Fitz-Roy. He worked for Learjet for 30 years in quality
control. In his living room at his home is a scale model Learjet he built from
scratch using actual structural drawings. Known as a 'Jack of all trades,' Don
seemed to know a little about everything. He enjoyed working on old cars and
had owned several classics during the years. He enjoyed watching Nascar, but
drag racing was his first love.
Don married Ev on Jan. 4, 1975, and, after living many years
in Wichita, decided to move home to Newton. Their children and family soon
followed suit and settled in Newton. Their home has been the scene of many
family get-togethers and a lot of laughter.
Don is survived by wife Evelyn; daughter, Traci Eason and
her husband, George; son, Marc Fitz-Roy and his wife, Lisa; stepson, Kelly
Hayes and his wife, Denise; stepdaughter, Kathleen Hayes; and stepson, Steve
Hayes and his wife, Sue. He also is survived by his sister, Sue Werth and her
husband, C.J., of Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Don had eight grandchildren: Cheyenne Fitz-Roy, Shenandoah
Cooper, Elliott Adams, Tiffany Hayes, Emilee Kelly, Carson Hayes, and Emma and
Lucas Wohlgemuth. He also had two great-grandchildren, Ashlynn and Kale Adams.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his ex-wife,
Linda Riggins. He'll enjoy catching up with them, but we're going to miss him a
lot.
Viewing will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral
Home in Newton, with family receiving guests from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Don's service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral
home.
The family strongly suggests sending donations to Hospice
Care of Kansas in lieu of flowers. They were a great comfort.
