Mr. Anthony G Ulrich

The family of Anthony George Ulrich, a.k.a. Tony and “Buddy” to numerous family and friends, celebrates his memory here following his passing from this life at 100 feisty years old on December 11, 2020.

Dad/ Grandpa/ Tony/ “Buddy” was born in Houston TX on July 26, 1920. A genuine extrovert, he graduated from St Edward's University in Austin TX, where he was Vice President of his class, was voted "Best Dancer", and "Most Popular", with dance cards to prove it, and played hockey and numerous intramural sports during his enrollment. After serving honorably aboard the USS Fuller during the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II, he returned home and was a pharmaceutical salesman, then began his career as a medical device supplier. He had all the best units, including the Jeanie Rub unit, and he took all the best supplements. He was a representative of Amrex Corp. for many years, and owned Health Equipment Products Co. and Southwest Therapy Supply in Fort Worth TX for over 40 years before "retiring" well into his 90’s. He likely would not have slowed down on his own; rather, he lightened his activities when he chose to stay by his wife Jesse’s bedside during her illness.

True to his sign, this proud Leo was opinionated and stubborn, as well as passionate and generous. He loved baked goods and interacting with people. At Christmas, he showed up with gifts and tokens for all, and he kept note of birthdays and accomplishments in his books. He loved to dance, garden, cook, and spend time with family. He was a member of the American Legion, a charter member of the National WWII Museum, and a devout Catholic who was fortunate enough to be able to continue practicing his faith in his final years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maria “Mary” Brieno Ulrich and Joseph Egid Ulrich; his wife Jessie Lee Lowder Ulrich; his sisters Juliette Skinner and Peggy Jensen; his son Robert Alan Ulrich; two stepdaughters, JoAnn Young and Jackie Meyers; the mother of his first child, Mary Jane Howell Ulrich of Dallas; the mother of his next nine children, Robbie Jean Pittman Ulrich of Fort Smith; one grandchild, Caleb Ulrich of Fort Smith; and one great grandchild, Kenneth Ulrich of Fort Smith. He is survived by his sons John (Yvonne) of Flower Mound TX, Joseph (Jennifer) of Vancouver, WA, George of Browning, Montana, Max (Claire) of Bedford TX, Britt (Christine) of Fort Smith AR; daughters Laurie Sawyer (Buzz) of Fort Smith AR, Libby Lincks (Steve) of Fort Smith AR, Madelyn (Tim Fowler) of Carson City NV, Rose Ann of Colorado Springs CO, and one daughter in law, Christi of FS. His progeny have grown by multitudes and will no doubt continue; at this time numbering 10 children, 2 step-children, 42 favorite grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren, scattered across the United States and around the globe, all of whom have distinct memories of and stories about their adventures with him.

In his final days, Tony was able to go “home” and spend time with some of his favorite people at Brookfield Assisted Living in Fort Smith, and for their care and big hearts, we are forever grateful.

A celebration of Life service will be held at National Cemetery at a later date.

Cremation and services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the ALS Association at als.org, or to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com