© The Chickasha Express-Star 16 November 2012 Hugh `Edward' Fitzpatrick Funeral services will be held for Hugh `Edward' Fitzpatrick, 74, of Rush Springs at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012, in the Vimy Ridge Baptist Church in Rush Springs. Hugh `Edward' Fitzpatrick was born in Rush Springs on July 5, 1937, the oldest son of Sell and Violet [Hale] Fitzpatrick. He died on Monday, March 12, 2012, at home in Rush Springs. Edward lived all his life in Grady County around Rush Springs. He went to school at Acme and Rush Springs Public Schools where he was known as `Big Ed' by special friends. Ed's first job was cutting broomcorn, hauling hay and plowing for area farmers. He married LaRita Heard on Nov. 3, 1957. He started farming on his own and raising cattle and goats. He raised peanuts and watermelon and was known for his `Black Diamond Watermelon.' Ed started driving a truck at the age of 24 for Hi-Vi. He later drove for different companies around Rush Springs. He loved his time spent driving trucks and retired from that line of work. After retirement, his favorite hobby was going down to the coffee shop. Ed was a good friend and always ready to help if anyone needed it. He was a member of Vimy Ridge Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by: both parents; wife, LaRita Fitzpatrick; brother, Gerald Fitzpatrick; and brother-in-law, Leon Burgess. Survivors include son, Jerry Fitzpatrick & wife Tina and their sons, Cody and Zachery; son, Michael Fitzpatrick & wife Kerri and their sons, Kent, Tim and Adam; daughter, Deborah Godfrey & husband Mike and their children, Angel, Sara, Amber and Mikey; sister, Karen Burgess of Edmond; brother, Rick Fitzpatrick & wife Beth of Rush Springs; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many life-long friends. He is also survived by a very special friend, Lovie Chatham and her family which became his second family, and all his friends from Midway Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Rush Springs Westview Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. Sandi Carter ~ Second cousin once removed