Richard A. Fritz, 87, of Marion Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 18, 2021. He was born in March of 1933 in Independence Kansas. He is survived by; his wife of 39 years, Linda Fritz; his siblings Melvin, Glendena and, Sheila (spouse Larry); his children Charlie, Sean, Mari, Curtis Mitchell Jr., Carla Sherrod and Thomas. He was “Poppa Fritz” to Kym, Curtis (spouse Jennifer), Sarah, Kirah, Crystal, Carley, Erick, Jake, Ashton and, Emeli; as well as his great grandchildren Duke, Foster and, Birdie along with a host of other nieces, nephews and friends.
Richard had a number of various jobs throughout his life starting with being a “shoeshine boy” inside a pool hall in Independence Kansas catering to a host of soldiers during WWII all the way to becoming a highly decorated Lt. Col. in the United States Airforce. He retired from the air force in 1973 to begin a career working at Federal Express in Little Rock Arkansas. His career at Fed Ex eventually took him to Memphis Tennessee where he met the love of his life, Linda. They finally settled in Marion Arkansas in 1981. It wasn’t until 1987 that he found his true reason for living when he surrendered his heart to Jesus. From that moment forward, he wanted to share the good news with anyone who would listen. He found a calling and love for mission work which included trips to Mexico (being a part of the “pew crew”) as well as locally at the 8th Street Mission.
Richard loved his family, his country, his “framily” and most of all his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had a passion for old cars but not for keeping them long. Even after several “retirements” he continued his passion for traveling. He was known by many and loved by all.
Due to COVID restrictions, a memorial service will be scheduled for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Mr. Fritz may be offered to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
