Bud Fitzpatrick

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Basil "Bud" Eugene Fitzpatrick III's faith became sight. Not one of his family members was ready for this day, but make no mistake about it, Bud was. He cherished his wife, deeply loved his children, and was absolutely insane about his grandchildren, but most of all he loved Jesus.

Bud's circle was big. When the call went out that Bud was coding, so many rushed to his aid. Every possible thing was done to keep him with us. But God is the giver and sustainer of life. He alone numbers our days. And Bud's day was July 29th.

Bud lived a full life. He was born on November 18, 1964, to Basil Augustas and Lou Ann Brinson Fitzpatrick. He was the fourth of five children, Russell Hunter, Debra Richardson, David Hunter, and Martha Cline. In reality, he was actually the nineth because his five beloved cousins, Anna, Janie, Brenda, J.D., and Jeri Lynn were always intermingled as well.

In 1980, he met Brandi Jo Clark. Two people couldn't possibly be more different. He was the life of the party, and she preferred the library. But eventually his obnoxiousness wore her down and they made a covenant before God on January 11, 1986.

Their greatest accomplishment was their children. Seth (Rebecca) Fitzpatrick, Whitney (Samuel) Lett, and Chase (Stephanie) Fitzpatrick. Their greatest joy was their grandchildren: Bridgette Fitzpatrick, Miles Eugene Lett, Aubrey Fitzpatrick, McKenzie Fitzpatrick, Henry Lett, Cooper Fitzpatrick, Norah Fitzpatrick, Theodore "Teddy" Lett, Caroline Lett, and Declan Basil Fitzpatrick.

Bud proudly served in the United States Army and Army Reserve for ten years. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Southwestern College and a Master's Degree in Business from Webster University. Bud had great success in business and enjoyed teaching from the Junior High School level to the Graduate School level. He would tell you that his favorite job was being a substitute teacher for the Forsyth Middle School. But the job that touched his heart the most and fulfilled his calling in life was his last, as the Director of Operations for The Salvation Army in Springfield, MO.

The hole that his passing has left is great, but his family wants to assure you that if you had the ability to ask him if Jesus was worthy of it all, he would adamantly proclaim…Yes He Is!

Our family invites you to join us in honoring this great man on Wednesday, August 6 at 9 a.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, Bud would want you to make a donation to The Road to Damascus. If you know the story of his brother David you will know why.