Richard Lee Fitts, Sr.

Richard passed away peacefully on January 27, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 16, 1928, to Ardie and Lily May (Bryant) Fitts (both deceased). He was the youngest of 5 children. His siblings, all deceased, were Floyd, James, George and Mamie Fitts Cunningham.

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, 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.

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.

Besides his 5 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 Feb 2, 2013 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Dr., Louisville, KY, there will be a Memorial Service at 4:00 pm with Rev. Mark Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 pm.

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.