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Mar 12th, 1931 - Oct 14th, 2018Funeral: 7 p.m. Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home Thursday, with military honors being presented at 5 p.m.
Robert Dale Fitzgerald, age 87, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday evening, October 14, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 12, 1931, the son of Harry and Eva (Justice) Fitzgerald. He married Patricia Fawn Hendricks March 19, 1952 and together they have shared 66 years of marriage.
Bob was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was shipped out on the General Nelson M. Walker with the A Company 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, serving on the front lines in Daejeon from September 1950 to July 1951. For his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Korea – Korean War Service Medal and the Carbine M-2 Expert Medal. He retired from the City of Flora after 31 years of service, working in each department and retiring as an electric lineman. He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, mushroom hunting, and horseback riding with Jamie. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of Clan Fitzgerald, Clan Napier, Clan Rousch, Sons of the American Revolution, and a past VFW member.
He is survived by his wife: Patricia Fitzgerald of Flora; 3 daughters: Becky Murbarger, Tanya (James) Prather, and Belinda Cook, all of Flora; grandchildren: Tricia Murbarger, Kyle (Brandy) Murbarger, Jamie (Korey) Barksdale, John (Heather) Hayes, and Cassie Hall; great-grandchildren: Zoe, Sawyer, and Landen Murbarger, Garrett Barksdale, and Matthew and Lucas Hayes; siblings: Bonnie McCracken, Tom Fitzgerald, Norma Clifton, and Harriett Erwin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law: John Murbarger; a great-grandson: Brody Barksdale; and 5 siblings: Marie Arbuckle, Harold Fitzgerald, Shirley Campo, Jerry Fitzgerald, and Donald Fitzgerald.
A funeral service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, October 18, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home, with Military Funeral Honors being presented at the beginning of the visitation at 5 p.m. To share a condolence or memory visit www.frankandbright.com.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the entire family.
My condolences to the family. May all be Blessed.
I'm sorry to hear about your dad! I am praying for you all!
Our prayers are with you. I can remember when Bob’s father, Harry would come to grandpa John Fitzgerald’s home and while crying, read Bob’s letters written while in the war in Korea. I was around twelve at the time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you.
Sorry for your loss. He lived a life that spoke volumes about his values, and work ethic.
Our Sympathy at this time and in the days ahead.
I am so sorry to hear this. I remember him dearly as driving my son Mark England to Iuka on the bus starting when Mark was only 3. Bob was always so good to him and I was very thankful for all he did for Mark and for me. I will keep all his family in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, hugs and prayers of comfort for the family.
Our sympathy to the family and prayers for comfort. Enjoyed having Bob and Pat as neighbors for many years.
Our sincere sympathies, thoughts and prayers for the family.
Ladies, I'm so sorry for your loss.
So Sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace for your families.
Andrew and I are sending prayers, love and ((hugs)) to you all.
I'm so sorry about your loss and want to thank you for his service to our country. May God bless you with comfort during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of your loss.. Prayers
Sincere sympathies to you all.
Becky and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Dan and I went to a Korean War Museum not too long ago, and from what we learned of the terrible struggles our soldiers faced, I would say your dad certainly was a hero and deserved the awards he received and our thankfulness. Our prayers are with you all.
He is leaving behind family and friends, that will suffer sadness. He was loved and will be missed. Wish I were there to help send him off.
Uncle Bob was a hero! He was a kind and loving man and family was his life. You don’t get any better than him! We grieve his passing with all of you. The old saying “Gone, but not forgotten” comes to mind. He will always be alive in our hearts, and he will be remembered, forever, by the legacy of love he leaves with us!
Belinda i am so sorry for your loss. Prayers my friend.
So many memories I will always cherish. My biggest memory is the love and honor my Dad had for his Uncle Bob and how they went to heaven together on the same day! Behave you two!!! 💜
One of the greatest men I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing and growing up around you will never be forgotten fly high my good friend
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
