Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Robert Dale Fitzgerald
Mar 12th, 1931 - Oct 14th, 2018Robert 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.