John Thomas (Tom) Fitch, Sr.

Tom was a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a loyal friend, a physician, a community leader, a patriot, a man of compassion, an adventurous traveler, and ultimately a child of God called home by his Heavenly Father. Those who knew Tom know he was a man of great passion.

First and foremost, his passion was for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He believed that God was the creator of this world. He acknowledged himself to be a sinner, and therefore separated from God. Unable to earn His favor, he rested in the completed work of Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life to give him His righteousness and died on the cross to take away his sins. Our family knows that Tom is in heaven and has heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Tom was also passionate for his family, including his beloved, adored, cherished wife of almost 56 years, his two children and their spouses, his seven grandchildren, and countless extended family members by whom he was affectionately known as “Uncle Doc”.

He was passionate about his practice of pediatrics for over 40 years. He was passionate about travel, including visiting all seven continents (Antarctica for his 70th birthday). He was passionate about photography, gardening, and time at the family property in the Hill Country. He was a proud Eagle Scout, as are his brother, his son, two grandsons and two nephews. He wholeheartedly backed, through his time and his treasure, the Medical Institute, Focus on the Family, Family Talk, his church and countless other missionaries and non-profits. He loved his country and was proud to be a veteran. And he certainly loved his Texas Longhorns!

Tom was an active member of Alamo Heights Methodist Church (for his entire life!), Bible Study Fellowship, Conopus Club, Rotary Club, the Texas Cavaliers, the German Club, and the Order of the Alamo. He was a past president of the Texas Pediatric Society.

Tom graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1956, from the University of Texas in 1960 (he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity), and from Tulane Medical School in 1963. He did his internship at the Philadelphia General Hospital from 1963-64. He then served in the Air Force as a Captain (Medical Core) from 1964-1966. He did his Pediatric Residency at Baylor University College of Medicine from 1966 to 1968.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Fitch English. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; his daughter, Tammy and husband Dave Ethington; his son, John, Jr and wife Chrissy; grandchildren, Amy, Timothy and Evan Ethington and Margaret, Thomas, III, Benjamin and Evie Fitch; his brother, Bill Fitch and wife Patrice; brother-in-law, Mid English, and numerous brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family thanks you for your outpouring of support and prayers. As a family we grieve, though we have hope as King David in the Bible did in 2 Samuel 12, that “he will not return to us, but we will go to him” and spend eternity in heaven with him because of our common faith in Jesus Christ.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private memorial service was held on Monday, February 1, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. You may view the recording of his service through the link at the bottom of this page.

Military honors will be rendered in a private ceremony at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are Evan David Ethington, Timothy Richard Ethington, Benjamin Louis Fitch, John Thomas Fitch III, William Evans Fitch, Middleton S. English, Norton Bassett Hargis, Jr, Robert Earl Wehmeyer, Jr, Roy Clark Boddy, and Joe S. McIlhaney

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Medical Institute (link below) , P.O. Box 794845, Dallas, Tx 75379), or charity of your choice.

To view the Memorial Service Bulletin, please scroll to the top of this page and click on Tribute Wall. You will then see a post of the Service Bulletin.

You may view the recording of his Memorial Service below: