Donald Duncan Fitzgerald

Don Fitzgerald was born on September 16, 1927 and passed away on June 12, 2015. Believe it or not, Don Fitzgerald was born on September 16, the same day as his brother and two sisters—all four born in different years, a remarkable fact noted by Ripley’s and the Houston Chronicle’s annual birthday party photos. Although his Dad died when he was twelve, Don saved for college with several paper routes and worked his way through Texas A&M (class of ’48), graduating with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He married Rose Marie Graham, the love of his life, in 1950. They had one daughter.

Don retired from Schlumberger Well Surveying Corporation after twenty-seven years. He then joined Houston Oil & Minerals/Tenneco, eventually becoming Vice President over Magrange Inc., a subsidiary that drilled relief wells for blowouts. After twelve years he retired again. Don was an innovator in his field and conducted industry training seminars around the globe. He was a member of Society of Petrophysicists and Well-Log Analysts, which published a number of his articles in industry journals.

Far more important to Don was his work for God’s Kingdom. He served on the board of Camp Peniel, United Missionary Fellowship and the founding committee of Young Life Houston. He supplied electronic equipment for Christian organizations around the world, among them KHCB radio (Houston). He served in churches through the years and self-published a gospel tract, “Roadmap To Heaven.” He distributed it to thousands, including prisoners.

Don is remembered for his sunny optimism, great sense of humor and unshakable faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He is survived by his wife, Rose Fitzgerald of Conroe, his daughter, Lael Fitzgerald Arrington and son-in-law Jack Arrington of Columbia, SC and his grandson, Zachary Arrington of Austin.

Visitation/Memorial will be at Carriage Inn, Conroe, TX (9-10:00 am) Friday, June 19th, remarks at 9:30. Graveside: 12:00 pm at Woodlawn Cemetery in Houston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp Peniel Christian youth camp, Marble Falls, TX or Fellowship Bible Church, Columbia, SC. Personal tribute posted by his daughter at www.laelarrington.com.