Jerry married the love of his life April on August 15, 1964. Together they raised two daughters; Jerri Lynn and Erica. Jerry was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving two tours (199th LIB from 66-67 and 1-8 Cav from 69-70) in Vietnam as a CO, and an Advisor for an ARVN Ranger Company. Jerry heroically commanded Pig Iron from 1969 to 1970. He also had tours in West Germany and Korea. Jerry is a recipient of the Silver Star and Multiple Bronze Stars and served over 20 years in the Army before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1986.
After Jerry retired he enjoyed golfing, racing around with the Rat Patrol for the Shriners and going on cruises. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and served as a Worshipful Master. Jerry would never turn down a good scotch.
He was a prime example of a great leader, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a hero, and a great man. A man who was so loving and encouraging in everything in life and was a huge driving force in RWS Military Museum.
Jerry is survived by his wife, April Fitzgerald; his daughter, Jerri Lynn Fitzgerald-Rivers and husband Jerry Rivers; and his daughter, Erica Fitzgerald-Redmond and grandsons; Houston Fitzgerald, Wyatt Redmond, Noah Redmond; granddaughter Dixie Doherty and her husband Jim and 3 great grandchildren, step brother; Larry Stimmel and dear family friend; Oki Pae. He is also survived by extended family "The Pig Iron Brothers " whom which have such a special place in our hearts that no one else but them understand.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father Elliott Fitzgerald and his mother Eilleen Stimmel.
A visitation for Jerry will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 211 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove, Texas. A funeral service will occur Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 12:00 PM, 211 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove, Texas. If you would like to virtually attend services, please follow our Facebook page to view live video coverage of Jerry's Service https://www.facebook.com/crawfordbowerscopperascove/. An internment service with military honor will occur Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to Local Animal Shelter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Fitzgerald family.
