J.W. Fitzgerald

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Funeral services for J. W. Fitzgerald, 90, took place Sunday, Oct. 28 at Eighth Avenue Baptist Church in Teague. Bro. Roy Prather officiated. Interment followed at Shanks Cemetery near Kirvin. Visitation took place Saturday, Oct. 27, with the family present, at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague. Mr. Fitzgerald passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018 at his residence in Teague. J. W. was born July 23, 1928 near Chatfield. He graduated from Rice High School. J.W. met Dorothy Marie Moore of Teague at a dance at the Texas State Fair and they soon married June 9, 1950. They shared over 68 years of marriage together. Mr. Fitzgerald started his career in construction with John F. Beasley Construction Company, and eventually he learned the craft of steel construction. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald and their two sons started a journey up and down the Mississippi River water shed and tributaries, like the Missouri, Ohio and Red River. With that move he helped with the expansion of the upper Midwest and lower River Crossings with bridges before settling his family in Bristol, Va in 1965. The family traveled and lived in 25 different states. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald retired and moved their family to Teague. He started a small cow and calf business on Mrs. Fitzgerald’s old home place near Shanks. He always wanted to be outside and loved to fish. J.W. loved God and the people of Eighth Avenue Baptist Church, where he was a member for many years. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Dot) Fitzgerald; two sons, Mike Fitzgerald and wife Melanie, Pat Fitzgerald and wife Cathy; four grandchildren, Evan William Fitzgerald, Kyla Elizabeth Cagel and husband Alex, Brittny Compton and husband Brian and Todd Lemons; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Mr. Fitzgerald was preceded in death by one grandson, Greg Lemons; two brothers, Price Fitzgerald and Charles (Shorty) Fitzgerald; and one sister, LaRue White. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the youth of Eighth Avenue Baptist Church 201 S. 8Th Ave., Teague, Texas 75860; the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at alzheimersreasearchfoundation.com; or to Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease at rocksteadyboxing.org Visit bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.

The Teague Chronicle

319 Main Street • P.O. Box 631
Teague, Texas 75860
Office: (254) 739-2141
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