Patrick Michael Fitter, Sr.
1932 – 2020
Patrick “Pat” Michael Fitter, Sr., 87, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away on March 2, 2020 in Oklahoma City, OK.
Pat was born to John and Lola (McGuire) Fitter on April 7, 1932 in Altus, OK. Pat was the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Altus High School in 1950 as a gifted athlete and All State football player and went on to attend and play football at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). He graduated from Oklahoma A&M in 1954 with a Business degree. While at Oklahoma A&M, Pat pledged and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and met his wife Virginia Lee McCann of McAlester, OK. Pat and Virginia were married on August 8, 1954 and remained faithfully in love for 65 years and raised five children.
In 1955, Pat entered the United States Army as part of the 1st Armored Division and was stationed at both Ft. Hood, TX, and Ft. Polk, LA. After leaving the military, Pat and Virginia moved to McAlester, OK, and he entered the business world and worked for Chevrolet for 32 years. In 1988, Pat and Virginia moved to Edmond, OK, where he was self-employed until he retired in 2015.
Pat’s immediate surviving family consists of his wife Virginia of Oklahoma City, OK, five children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: son Patrick Michael Fitter, Jr. (“Mike”), his wife Debbie and their two sons, Steven Fitter and his wife Jennifer and their son Everett, David Fitter and his wife Lauren and their daughter Ava, all of Tulsa, OK; daughter Lesa (Fitter) Wilson and her husband Matt of Edmond, OK, and their two sons, Aaron Wilson and his wife Stephanie and their daughters Eleanor and Margaret of Madison, NJ, Adam Wilson and his wife Christy and their son Jack and daughter Piper of Edmond, OK; son John Fitter, Lt. Colonel (ret.), and his wife Sherri of Tyler, TX, and their two daughters Holly of Tyler, TX, and Hannah Lee of Colorado Springs, CO; son Matthew Fitter, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5, and his wife Mary of Ft. Riley, KS, and their daughter Katie currently attending Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS; daughter Amy (Fitter) Thompson and her husband Dennis of Kingston, OK. Pat also has one living brother-in-law Wayne Bokorney of Georgetown, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews.
While in McAlester, Pat was actively involved in various clubs and organizations as an active leader in the community. Later in Edmond, Pat was a longtime parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Pat had many joys in life including spending time with his four brothers (all surviving World War 2 era veterans) at the family homestead in Altus, OK, hunting and faithfully following his alma mater. Pat loved the simpler pleasures of life such as long early morning and after dinner walks with his dog, tending to his yard and birds, a straw hat, a good cigar, a glass of red wine, and of course a great Chevy truck. However, his main priorities were his Catholic faith and his large family.
Having never met a stranger, Pat made a lasting impression on everyone that knew him. His pleasant disposition, quick wit and sense of humor were infectious to all those around him. Pat also lived his faith through the generosity of both his time and treasure. His patience and positive nature made him a natural father, grandfather and mentor. Pat loved teaching his sons and grandsons to hunt, actively coach and mentor through life’s milestones of driving, throwing a ball or even being a chauffeur to his eldest daughter’s entire cheerleading squad. Pat’s children recall that “everybody wanted a daddy like Pat Fitter.”
Pat and Virginia’s love and marriage were an enduring cornerstone for the family for 65 years and set an example of what living one’s vows truly means. Pat was thankful for the loving care and help he received from friends and family later in life and especially the last few months at St. Ann’s Nursing Home in Oklahoma City, OK.
Rosary will be held at 6:30 pm Friday, March 6th at the Matthews Funeral home in Edmond, OK.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, March 7, 2020 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, OK. Burial will follow on April 18, 2020 in McAlester, OK at Oak Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond and Brumley Funeral Home in McAlester, OK.
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s death. I always enjoyed going out to eat with him and Gene when they come to Altus to hunt or for class reunions. Bill and I enjoyed their stories of their antics growing up. I really miss both their cheerful faces. They so enjoyed the times they got to spend at the Fitter Hilton on the farm. My prayers for the family.
so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. May God watch over those still living to comfort them in the times to come when they feel a need to talk to him!! prayers for all that they have memories of earlier, easier times to cherish.
Pat was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was a genuine friend, and after my father’s death I could always go to him for advice. The world will be a lesser place withoutj him, but heaven will be blessed to have him. My heart and prayers are with all the family. Fly high old friend, you will never be forgotten.
By chance, my wife stumbled across Mr. Fitter’s obituary today. I, (we), were saddened to hear of his passing and wish to express our deepest condolences to the Fitter family. I had the honor and privilege of working for “Pat” for a few years prior to his closing Pat Fitter Chevrolet in McAlester, Oklahoma. In the late ’70’s or early ’80’s, while In search of a job after being laid off from a previous employer, I stopped by the dealership…hoping. After a brief encounter with him, Pat simply asked, “Can you paint cars?” I answered, “No sir, but I can learn.” For some unknown reason, he must have believed me and hired me on the spot…and, I learned. Although life has taken me on a couple of different tracks since that day (college, social work career and now an all-most retired high school teacher), I shall always remain grateful for his taking a chance on “a beginner” and provided me the opportunity to make a living for me and my family. May his family be given immense peace and comfort in this great loss. Rest in peace, Pat and thank you.