Jerry L. Fitts

Jerry L. Fitts, 79, of rural Flat Rock, IL, passed away on March 24, 2024, at Mount Vernon Nursing & Rehab Center in Mount Vernon, IN. Born on April 3, 1944, his early life was spent in Robinson, IL before Jerry answered his country's call. After proudly serving in the United States Army from August 1961 to September 1963, he returned to Robinson, where he began a career that would span several decades. Jerry initially worked at the Ettelbrick Shoe Company and worked his way up to manage the Sears division of the company before finding his place at Briggs Pottery. Here, he served as a well-regarded caster until the pottery closed, prompting his retirement.

Away from work, Jerry could often be found out in nature, be that mushroom hunting (he was renowned for returning with impressive bounties) or fishing, which was more than a hobby - it was a primary source of peace and joy in his life. In fact, the serenity of its rivers and the delight of trout fishing prompted Jerry to move to the Missouri/Arkansas area following his retirement. Here, he became involved with the local VFW before a battle with dementia led him back home to be cared for by his family: his daughter & son-in-law, Tammy & Bill Tennyson; his sons & daughters-in-law, Kevin & Tina Fitts and Aaron & Chastity Fitts; and his grandchildren, Megan & Jonathon Woodard, Kristen & Stephen Allen, Tyler Tennyson, Savannah & Dominick Dunham, and Connor Fitts. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Patty Fitts; his special friend, Emily Barnes; his sister, Carolyn Kay Whitlow; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest "Ernie" & Lucy (Liston) Fitts; his sister, Nadine Henry; and his brother, Larry Fitts.

As we reflect on the life of Jerry Fitts, we remember a man whose 79 years were as rich as the natural world he so loved to explore. May we find richness in our memories of him, and may those precious memories live on as his lasting legacy in us.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th, at the Robinson New Cemetery, with Pastor Aaron Peternel officiating. In honor of his love of dogs, memorials may be made to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.