David Norris Fitzgerald of Midland died at Hospice of Midland Memorial Hospital, Wednesday, September 24, 2008.A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Monday, September 29, at Memorial Christian Church with Rev. Terry Rothermich officiating. A private burial service was held Friday, September 26 at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.
Born January 25, 1923 in Goree, Texas to Archie and Mamie Fitzgerald, Dave was an outstanding basketball player for the Goree High School Wildcats, staying for a second senior year so that the school could field a team. On September 8, 1942 he married Frances Camille Morrow, in Lubbock. He was a proud World War II veteran, having served across Europe as a dental assistant with the 291st Engineering Combat Battalion.
Dave was a mainstay of the Permian Basin oil business, beginning his career pumping gas, to ultimately owning several companies of his own, including Slough Equipment Company, Melco Blowout Preventer, Pheasant Rubber, Fitzgerald Electric Supply. and Fas-Line Sales and Rentals, to mention a few. He was very active in the Permian Basin International Oil Show, being chosen as the 2004 Oil Show Honoree. He served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations including Midland National Bank, TMBR/Sharp Drilling Company, and Memorial Christian Church.
Dave was a man of great integrity and generosity, going out of his way to help those in need and serving as a mentor and friend to many. His love of life included his wife, Frances, his children and grandchildren, and his extended family, including many treasured nieces, nephews and cousins. He delighted in spending time with family, whether enjoying this home on Lake Sweetwater, counting cows on his beloved ranch in Nolan County, or touring New York City with his grandchildren. Through the years, Dave and Frances traveled the world with many dear and lasting friends.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Camille Fitzgerald, of Midland; his three daughters and their husbands, Sunnye and John Dinger, of Odessa, Suzanne and Jim Bobo, of Odessa, Lisa and Mike Herring, of Sweetwater; his six grandchildren; Scott Dinger and his wife Amanda; Jeff Dinger and his wife Michelle; Jamie Russell and her husband John; David Bobo and wife Karly; Jon Paul Bobo and wife Amelia; Brittany Jill Kessler; Mark Herring and wife Jill; and Matthew Herring and wife Cindy; twelve great-grandchildren; and sister, Jonelle Patterson.
The family suggests memorials be directed to Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702; Star Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 112, Midland, Texas 79702; or Memorial Christian Church, Endowment Fund, 1001 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas 79701.
"I shall pass through this world but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show; or any good I can do; let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at http://www.npwelch.com/.
