Donald Wayne Fitzwater
May 29, 1930 - May 23, 2025
Obituary
Donald Wayne Fitzwater died on May 23, 2025, just 6 days shy of turning 95 years old. He was born to Solen and Mary Fitzwater in Richmond, Missouri on May 29, 1930. Don joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and married Betty Lou Stubbs on March 6, 1952. During the service they spent time in Texas and Wyoming. After his discharge, he eventually enrolled in Finley Engineering College in Kansas City, going to school in the day and working nights. He graduated in November 1958 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. By then Betty was kept busy at home with their two children, Don and Debbie. After a brief job with the Ford Motor Company, Don was hired by The Boeing Company which moved them to Wichita, Kansas. In early 1963 the family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, for a short training period under Boeing and NASA, then on to New Orleans in July 1963. The family lived there for ten years while Don worked on the Apollo Space Program. In 1973 Boeing had them on the move again, this time to the Seattle area. They became active in The Neighborhood Church in Bellevue, and both children graduated from the University of Washington. Don retired from Boeing on July 1, 1995, after working on various Aerospace programs in the Seattle area, and the 777 Airplane in Everett. During retirement he and Betty traveled to many cities in the U.S. and Canada, visiting family and friends, shopping for antiques, and participating in numerous softball tournaments. Don especially enjoyed being part of the Emerald City masters softball team that won the World Championship in Chicago in 1998, and then again in Las Vegas in 2001. He also participated in track and field for WA state senior games. In 2015 he achieved a record win for the 100m race for ages 85-89. It was 18.84 seconds, and he held that record for seven years. It seems appropriate to remember this Bible verse with his life:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 ESV
Church and family were important cornerstones in Don’s life. He strove for excellence in all he did, and he loved a good challenge to figure out or to fix. He was always available to help his family, and they all profited from his many skills in house maintenance!
Don is survived by his wife, Betty, of Covington WA, and son Don (wife Joy) Fitzwater of Bellevue WA, granddaughter Laura (husband Brian) Gonzales of Federal Way WA, and two great-granddaughters, Claire and Mollie. He was preceded in death by his daughter Debra (husband Steven) Ice of Woodstock GA, and his two sisters, Betty June Brewer and Marie Waters.
Don will be buried in the Tahoma National Cemetery for his service in the Air Force.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite military veterans group, or to
NCA Cemetery Donations, found on the Tahoma National Cemetery website
or by clicking the link.
Congratulations on reaching the end of your race Don!
Larry & Mertie Sill
Don has been my neighbor for nearly 20 years. He is one of the best men I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He and Betty are like family to us. He lived a wonderful life and I will miss him greatly.
You wave sorely missed by your family and friends. You have finished your race in good stead