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Richard Fitts Obituary

FITTS, RICHARD LEE SR., Richard passed away peacefully on January 27, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Louisville, KY, on October 16, 1928, to Ardie and Lily May (Bryant) Fitts (both deceased). He was the youngest of five children. His siblings, all deceased, were Floyd, James, George and Mamie Fitts Cunningham.

Richard joined the U.S. Air Force at age 18, and was honorably discharged at rank of staff sergeant in 1949. He and Mildred were members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He retired from American Bakeries and was a member of the Bakery and Confectionary Workers International Union. Richard's love of plants and flowers were evident wherever he lived. Also, family and friends had the benefit of Richard's sense of humor and his capacity to tell wonderful stories. He was the life of the party and will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Richard met the love of his life, Mildred Helming in Louisville. Richard and Mildred married in 1948. They had seven children: Richard L. Fitts, Jr. (deceased) David Fitts (Susan McKaig) of Lexington, KY, Ron Fitts (Linda) of Louisville, Rosanne Fitts Klarer (Tim) of Midway, KY, Mike Fitts (Cheryl) of Louisville, Angela Fitts Lewis (Mark) of Wilmore, KY, and Brian Fitts (deceased). Richard will also be missed by other numerous Fitts, Robinette and Helming family members.

Besides his five living children, he is survived by 10 grandchildren, Eric Fitts, Madeline Fitts Roseileen Fitts, Devin Klarer (Jill), Ezra Klarer (Megan), Oliver Klarer, Frederica Lewis, Ivey Lewis March (Taylor), Guinevere Lewis and Emma Lewis.

On Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Newcomer Funeral Home, Shelbyville Road, Louisville , KY, there will be a memorial service at 4 p.m. with Rev. Mark Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m.

The family expresses deep gratitude to the nurses and staff in the Palliative Care Unit of Baptist Hospital East for their professional and compassionate care for Richard in the last hours of his life.



Published by Courier-Journal on Jan. 30, 2013.
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Great man! Loved Richard! Always enjoyed his wit and humor! R.I.P.

Hal Morgan

January 24, 2021

I loved Richard and Mildred so much. They were like the coolest parents in my eyes, as a teenager. And they were the best neighbors anyone would want as I was older. I will always hold them close to my heart.

Laurie Whitworth-Mulroony

February 2, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Fitts Family at this time , I have so many memories of the years we have all known one another I wouldn't even know where to begin , it certainly doesn't seem like 50 + years since I first became friends with you all , your grandparents , cousins ,, a lot of good memories , your dad (as well as your mom) were wonderful people for sure . Be assured of my prayers .

Steve Ammon

February 1, 2013

I haven't seen you since I was a young girl. I always remember you smiling. You had the best laugh. I remember you as a kind person and the life of the party. May you rest in peace and be welcomed with open arms by your wife and children. Love to you and your family. ~ Carrie Fitts-Dickey (daughter of Jerry Fitts).

January 31, 2013

Sorry to hear of Richard's passing. All who knew him will miss his great sense of humor. Cousin from Texas.

Kenny Wirtzberger

January 31, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Your Dad had a wonderful sense of humor, and was always fun to be around. He had a such a devotion to your mother, and his children always came first. Just cherish the great memories, and he and your mother will stay within your hearts. We will be with you in spirit Saturday. Love,
Gary and Sandy Wooldridge-Davis and all the Wooldridge family.

Gary & Sandy Wooldridge Davis

January 31, 2013

Thank you Angela for bring your father's passing to our attention. May Richard rest in peace. Our sympathy is expressed to all Richard's family and friends. He was a wonderful person and always had a smile for everyone.
Dawn and Hal Morgan, Fort Myers, FL

Hal Morgan

January 31, 2013

Our prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Joel and Teresa

January 30, 2013

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