Ike Fitzgerald

He was born November 11, 1926 to Esley Doyle Fitzgerald and Dola Lee Henley in Guion, Texas. Six weeks after Ike was born the family moved to Midland, Texas.

Ike grew up playing music in his Dad’s band “The Lone Star Ramblers”. He also played with his dad in the Downtown Midland Lions Club Orchestra.

After graduating from Midland High School, Ike Joined the Navy on November 3, 1944 and was later transferred to the Marines. He fought in World War II and was honorably discharged July 9, 1946.

Ike and Sue were high school sweethearts. Sue waited for Ike and upon his return from the service, they were married on May 30, 1948 in Austin, TX by Ike’s Uncle Brice Fitzgerald, who was a Baptist Preacher.

Ike was a devoted husband and his wife’s best friend, a loving Dad, Grandad and a blessing to all who knew him.

Ike learned at an early age to make money running parts for his dad. Ike sold his first advertisement space on the side of his dad’s downtown City Service Garage. It was all uphill from there. He and Sue owned a skating rink, an amusement park with a super slide in Midland, and Ike trained a hockey team, “The Silver Wheels”. They also made numerous real estate investments throughout their lifetime together.

Ike and Sue achieved many accomplishments. He was a jack of all trades but a master of none. Like his Dad, E.D. “Fritz” Fitzgerald, Ike retired as a Captain with the Midland Fire Department. Ike held several positions with the Lions Club, locally, nationally and internationally. Ike was the driving force developing TLERC, Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. He’s eternally grateful to all the people who assisted in developing this program. He was PID, Past International Director. Ike was bestowed the highest honor a Lion can receive when he was awarded the “Ambassador of Good Will”, and inducted into the Lion’s Club international Hall of Fame.

He has been an active member of the Midland Downtown Lions Club since 1960. The Midland Downtown Lions Club building is named in his honor.

Ike was always smiling, laughing and pestering people.

He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of sixty years.

Ike is survived by his son, Guy Wayne Fitzgerald and Cheryl Reed; granddaughter Shanla Joann Chesnut and husband Jason; grandsons, Eric Wayne and Brice Wayne Fitzgerald; and a great granddaughter Camber Christine Fitzgerald all of Midland, Texas.

The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home Friday, January 15, 2016 between the hours of 6:00 PM to 8:00 P.M., Services will be held at Ellis Funeral Home Saturday at 11:11 A.M. followed by graveside services at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Ike may be sent to the Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program C/O Midland Downtown Lions Club, 200 Plaza Dr., Midland, Texas 79701.