Gene Austin Fritts

The family will be at Bratcher Funeral Home for visitation from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M., Monday, June 4, 2012.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Fairview Cemetery Chapel, 1501 Hwy. 91 N, Denison, TX 75020.

He was born on June 9, 1934 to Lola and Austin Fritts in Denison. He served two years in the Air Force in Japan. On his return home, he joined the family business of concrete work. The Fritts family is known for their quality concrete work. Later, he moved from Denison to the lake area, then to Colbert, Oklahoma to live on a ranch. He owned a pawn shop and variety store in Colbert.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Norma Worthington.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter Sherry Fritts of Conifer, Colorado; son Sonny Fritts; brother Ray Fritts & wife Kay; nieces Brenda Stewart, Debbie Ritchie; nephew Toby and their families; cousins and aunt Dortha Fritts, who has been a loving substitute mother for us all.

The family wishes to thank all his friends for their love and prayers for his recovery, but also for their smiles and friendships that lit up his life. He especially loved his classmates and those who were a part of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group and the precious Friday night group at the Elks.

Gene was baptized by Quinton Gage at the Coleman Avenue Church of Christ. Charlene and Quinton faithfully nurtured him and saw him through his grief over the passing of his wife Norma. Quinton also performed the wedding ceremony that brought joy back into his life again.

We also wish to thank the ICU team who lovingly cared for him and lent comfort to the family. We appreciate you all. Scott Philips was a precious friend who was like a son to Gene and he served us through the difficult last days, but also was always there when we needed something taken care of. His niece Debbie was present at his passing and provided the love and support that Gene and I needed. Gene was so very proud of his brother’s successes and the many accomplishments of his brother’s family.

Also especially loved were Ellen and Bubba Blanchard who lavished their love on Gene with gifts and flowers on every occasion. We thank everyone who helped Gene have a good life here on earth. He is now with our Lord, out of pain and seeing all the beauty of Heaven. He loved flowers, birds and animals and his home was his domain. He loved his home on earth. How much more will he love his new home that has been prepared for him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison, TX 75020, (903) 465-2323. Online condolences may be made t