Clarence Bernard Fitzner

1940 - 2025

Dr. C. Bernard Fitzner, Jr., DDS MAGD, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025. Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Luke Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Dr. C. Bernard Fitzner, Jr, DDS MAGD, was born in Tucumcari, NM to Clarence B. Fitzner and Esta Welch Fitzner on March 15, 1940. He grew up on a farm/ranch in Logan, NM where he graduated High School. Bernard was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and won a tractor driving competition in 9th grade. The prize for winning was a baby pig. He named her Cherry Blossom. He later shared with pride that Cherry Blossom and her descendants paid for his college education. He was a country boy at heart who loved the land and all its creatures. He only allowed quail and turkey hunting on his ranch. When he faced challenges, he would spend time at his farm and move dirt.
He received his bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University and soon married Elizabeth Nihart from Logan. They had two sons, Ken and Jon. Bernard taught junior high school math and industrial arts and drove a school bus for 6 years in Tucumcari before starting Dental School.
Dr. Fitzner graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1972 with his wife and two little boys. Dr. Fitzner returned to Tucumcari in 1973, purchasing Dr Kenneth Vinall's dental practice at 501 S. 2nd Street. Dr. Fitzner maintained that practice for 37 years until he retired to Amarillo, TX, in 2010. Dr. Fitzner loved being a dentist and enjoyed all his patients. When patients were short of cash he bartered for paintings, labor, and farm equipment. His community adored him.
Dr. Fitzner attained the title of Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 1981. This is accomplished by obtaining 700 hours of continuing education and passing a comprehensive test.
Dr. Fitzner continued his dental education by obtaining the title of Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. This title was awarded at the National Convention of the Academy of General Dentistry in Portland, Oregon in July 1996.
Dr. Fitzner served in the New Mexico National Guard from 1957-1966 attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He is past president of Tucumcari Rotary Club, past Director of the Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce, member of the Tucumcari Planning Commission from 1974 to 2010 and served as president of that commission. He also served on the Tucumcari Public School Board from 1982 to 1989 and oversaw the development of TAVS to Mesa Technical College now known as Mesalands Community College from 1991 to 1995. He served as President of both boards.
Dr. Fitzner was a pilot and loved airplanes. He built an air coupe from scratch and flew it. He learned many different trades from his six uncles. He could do any plumbing, electrical, welding, or cement jobs, and he built several buildings on his farm and ranch, as well as, a cabin in Angel Fire, NM. He loved to ski but hated getting cold.
He also loved old cars, especially 57 Chevies. And he had a bunch of them in different stages of restoration. He also had a bright red 1956 Mustang.
Dr Fitzner's beloved wife and mother of his children, Elizabeth "Beth", died in 1999.
At the Tucumcari 2000 Rattler Reunion, Dr. Fitzner was introduced to Sharron by his double cousin, Judith Fitzner Killgore. Bernard married the former Sharron Moore from Tucumcari and San Diego, CA. in Angel Fire, New Mexico in 2002. Bernard lovingly accepted Sharron's daughter, Lisa Moore, as one of his children. Bernard and Sharron lived in Tucumcari until the Doctor's retirement in 2010.
The same year he retired he and Sharron built a home in Amarillo, Texas and moved there to be closer to grandchildren. Dr. Fitzner developed Alzheimer's, and in April of 2021 he needed the care of a facility that could address all his needs. He lived at The Cottages at Quail Creek until his death on November 7, 2025.
Doctor Fitzner is survived by his wife, Sharron; two sons, Bernard Ken Fitzner and his wife, Nichapa "Q"; Jon Warren Fitzner both of Amarillo, and his stepdaughter, Lisa Moore, of San Diego, CA; his grandchildren, Daniel, Mallory, and Kara as well as two great granddaughters and too many cousins to count.
Flowers may be sent to the funeral home any time prior to the service or to St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3001 Bell, Amarillo, TX 79106 the morning of the service.