of Houston, AR
May 21, 1952 - January 27, 2024
Stan Lee Fitzwater, age 71, of Houston, Arkansas passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2024.
Stan was born on May 21, 1952 to David and Helen (Noe) Fitzwater in Watonga, Oklahoma. As a young cowboy, his white-blonde hair earned him the nickname ''Cotton'' until The Fitzwater's moved their three sons from Oklahoma to Arkansas to make their home on a family farm in Adona when Stan was eleven years old. Stan and his brothers had farm chores to tend to before and after school each day, but that didn't keep them from playing sports, hunting and fishing as much as possible. As quarterback his senior year of high school, the local newspaper called him Stan ''the arm'' Fitzwater and his favorite target was his younger brother, Ted ''the thief'' Fitzwater. He was class of 1970 Perryville High School and was a member of First Baptist Church of Perryville since his teens. Soon after graduating he became a member of the Ironworkers Local 321 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.
Retired from ironworking after many years as a construction foreman working for Boyed Sanders Construction. A rugged outdoorsman, who at one point carried the mail and was the Mayor of Adona, was often mistaken for the Marlboro Man.
He also owned and operated a variety of businesses over the course of his life including a farm in Adona, C&F Logging and a Country Store. He was also an avid golfer, horseman, gardener, fisherman and hunter.
Stan was preceded by his father, David Fitzwater and his younger brother, Ted Fitzwater. He is survived by his mother, Helen Fitzwater; wife, Rhonda; brother, Steve (Phyllis) Fitzwater, as well as his children, Leslie (Michael) Greer, Kimberlee (Brad) Carden, Lance (Rachael) Fitzwater and Chrystie (John) Lienhart; as well as his ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Brice (Annie Laurie) Harden, Andrew Harden, Bailee (Zach Johnston), Madason (Dalton) Lewis, Kenadee Housley, Landon Fitzwater, Kinsley Fitzwater, Brandon Taylor, Jeremy Taylor and Kaylynn Lienhart.
Oaklee Johnston, Case Johnston, Deats Johnston, Juniper Harden and Hendrix Taylor.
A Graveside Service will be Thursday, February 1st at 11:00 am at Liberty Cemetery in Adona, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Boyed Sanders, Gary Clay, Russell Weiss, Jim Sloss, Brad Carden, Scott Corker and Nick Sanders.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Jack Weiss.
Memorials may be made to Liberty Cemetery in Adona or the First Baptist Church of Perryville.
Please share your fond memories and expressions of sympathy below in our guestbook
Stan will be greatly missed on the golf course. The best memory I have of Stan, is that on a hot summer day Stan brought my junior golf program kids an ice cold watermelon during class one day and that watermelon was enjoyed greatly my kids. Rest in peace, my friend!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bob and our prayers are with you all. We never got to know Stan on a personal basis but never heard anything but good about him again so sorry.
You have our deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Sorry to hear. Stan was a good ironworker and friend. He will be missed. Condolences to theFamily
Love you Paps. Thanks for all the laughs and memories.
I'll miss paps I loved him so much.I will miss spending time with him.
Love Kinsley.
Best paps I could ever ask for. Taught me so much in my 21 years I had with you. I wish I had more, but oh how much better you are no more pain. I’ll love you forever papsie, save me a hot dog to roast when I get there!
I didn't know Stan very well but I know without a shadow of a doubt his children Loved him. I remember when Lance retired from the U.S. Navy and Stan was sitting directly behind me. I knew he had driven all night from his home in AK to Jacksonville FL. I looked at him and said I'm so glad you made it. He said "I would not have missed seeing my son retiring." He was so Proud of you and his girls. Lance you were a great son to him as you are now a great father. My heart breaks for all the family. Love to all the Fitzwater families.
What a devastating loss and time this is for the family. I am so sorry that I could not be there with you but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you all so very much!!
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Stan’s family. I have known Mr. Stan for many years, spent a lot of time at his house in Adona hanging out with Leslie and that man was ALWAYS working! Such a great man and I know he will be missed terribly.
Our condolences to Rhonda and the family. We loved Stan and we love all the family and we will be there for the celebration of Stan’s life!
Dear friend , I wish you comfort and peace after this loss. Warmest regards. I am with you in these difficult times. Love you
Stan was a big part of my extended family he and my brother-in-law Gary had many adventures together. They had a get rich business of cutting, hauling and selling pulp wood. Converting a old school bus into a state of the art camper, where Stan had to stand in the door way and be the windshield wipers they had forgot to hook up. Stan was loved by all that knew and worked with him. He will be missed by his loving wife Rhonda and all his family and friends. Prayers for peace and comfort that only God can provide.
Forever thankful to Stan for the beautiful family we shared. He's completely healed and enjoying being with David and Ted and probably dancing a two-step with my mom about now. Prayers for Rhonda, my children and grandchildren, Helen and Steve, and all the friends and family left behind.