Mr. Richard Fritts

Lewis Richard Fritts, 71, of Bartlesville, passed away Tuesday in Bartlesville. Richard was born the son of Clifford and Naomi (Funk) Fritts on August 12, 1943, at the family home in Ottawa, KS. Richard attended a country grade school then graduated high school in 1961 in Pomona, KS. Richard joined the National Guard in 1960 and served for four years then was a member of the Army Reserve for another four years being honorably discharged in 1968. Richard was united in marriage with Judith Carol Wadkins on July 21, 1967, in Pomona, KS, and then moved to Ottawa, KS, where they made their home and raised their four children. Richard worked with Skyhook, Havens Steel and the Missouri Pacific Railroad before starting his own business, Fritts Machine Shop and Garage, which he operated for 20 years from 1972 to 1992. He then started his second career with the University of Kansas as an Instrument Maker and retired after 13 years in 2005. Once the kids left home, Richard and Judi took up Country Western dancing and travelled all over to dance in competitions. They also taught Country dance for 20 years and Richard also choreographed many routines for his dance team. In 2010, the longtime residents of Franklin County, KS, moved to Bartlesville to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Richard was a longtime member of the Church of the Brethren, Ottawa, KS where he served as a trustee and deacon. He loved to fish and hunt, and made several unforgettable trips to the Columbia River in Oregon to fish for salmon and sturgeon with his son. He was a member of the Eagles Club and vice president for one term, and a member of the National Teacher’s Dance Association and served as the Whiskey River Dancers president at one time. He was a skilled woodworker and made many pieces of furniture for his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. Richard is survived by his wife Judith Carol Fritts of Bartlesville; four children, Kevin Murray and Cindy of St. Helens, OR, Roxanne Broes and Sal of Denham Springs, LA, Dawn Carter of Bartlesville, and Rick Fritts and Lisa of Bartlesville; three brothers, Charles Fritts and Shirley, Frank Fritts all of Ottawa.KS, and Clifford Fritts of Atlantus, FL; seven grandchildren, Jessi Carter, Spence Carter, Kayla Kite, Alissa Fritts, Jordan Broes, Sal Broes III and Shelly and Aaron Carlino and Monica; three great grandchildren, Jordan, Gabriel and Sofia; a nephew John Fritts, a niece Sherry Harris and Albert and family, Sister in-law Karen Seyler and Lucky and family; and a host of other family and friends. Richard is preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at First Baptist Church of Dewey, OK. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tulsa Cancer Center in Bartlesville, 3470 E. Frank Phillips Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Attn: Sue. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Richard’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Mr. Richard Fritts

August 12, 1943 - September 2, 2014