1935-2022

Kermit LaRay “Poppy” Fitzpatrick came into this world on June 3, 1935, in Tabler, OK to Kermit W. and Opal Lee (Vernon) Fitzpatrick. He left this life for his heavenly home on Dec. 24, 2022, in Oklahoma City, OK Kermit’s parents were farmers and moved around during his childhood. He was born on the Washita River in Tabler, OK by the Y. His father lost all his crops on the day he was born, and the doctor felt so bad that he told him to keep the money for his birth because he needed it more than the doctor did. From there, his family moved to the Friend area where Kermit started school. They then moved to Cement where he attended Pioneer School and graduated from there in 1953. He then attended Cameron University in Lawton, OK. While there, he joined the Army and was shipped overseas to Korea to be a mechanic/driver for the commanders. He had many stories about his stint in Korea and truck driving, but his favorite one was about taking a shortcut across the Korean island on a “floating” bridge.

He returned home in 1957 and married the love of his life, Anna Mae “Susie” Winder on Nov. 30, 1957. To this union, three children were born. In 1977, they bought a farm in Terrell Texas where they lived until Susie passed in March of 2006. He continued to live there until recently when he moved back to Cement Oklahoma.

Kermit loved truck driving, farming, giving the “kids” rides on the tractor, his five children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, four greatgreat grandchildren, and numerous adopted ones. They were his whole world. “Everybody” called him Poppy.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years Anna Fitzpatrick; his parents, Kermit & Opal Fitzpatrick; his brother, Eldon and wife Patricia Fitzpatrick; children, an infant son, daughter- in-law Janet Fitzpatrick, and son-in-law Brian Strubble.

He is survived by his children: Cynthia Smith, Vernon Fitzpatrick, Troy and wife Diana Fitzpatrick, Augenia Webb, and Cheryl Cook; his siblings, Dwain and wife Carolyn Fitzpatrick, and Brenda Rogers; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family.

A gathering of family and friends was held at Sevier Funeral Home in Chickasha, OK on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, from 2-4 p.m., and viewing from 4-7 p.m. was available. Graveside services were held in Terrell, Texas on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Weaver Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home.