John Fitch

On February 10, at 7:10 A.M. John Fitch passed from his earthly home to be with His Lord and Savior. John was a special man, loved by all who knew him. 

John was born July 23, 1932 in Grapevine, TX. He was a depression baby and the hardships of his childhood would shape his entire life. He was one of seven children born to Ray and Sarah Fitch. As a young child his family moved to Bedford, TX, where he would spend the next 80+ years of his life. John partnered with his father to run the family dairy farm on the hill on Cummings Road. For over 30 years John would rise at 2:30 in the morning, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to milk the cows. He could not find a way to get the cows to take a day off! Upon Ray’s death his brother Joe partnered with him to run Fitch Dairy until the growth of the city pushed them out of business in the mid 1980’s. The dairy was a Bedford icon to Hurst-Euless-Bedford residents of that generation.

John had four passions in this life. First and foremost was his beautiful bride of 61 years, Jennie. When she passed away in 2017, life was never the same. In their time together, not counting hospital stays, they spent two nights apart. Because of the nature of the dairy, they ate three meals together every day. They worked together to keep the dairy afloat and raise their two boys, Jeff and Jay, which brings us to his second passion, his boys and grandchildren. John was the consummate father and grandfather. He led with love and by example. His hard work and sacrifice never went unnoticed by his boys, who strived to please him. He loved watching Jeff and Jay participate in athletics and, later, followed their careers as coaches. He was the biggest fan of whatever team they were a part of. That same devotion carried on to his grandkids as he watched them grow. John’s third passion was his land. He spent virtually every day for over 80 years on the hill, often referred to as “the place.” The property was a part of him. Finally, his fourth passion was helping others. He was always ready to offer advice or aid, whichever was needed. He loved to give away the vegetables, okra, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers… to friends. Numerous friends would come see him as he “piddled” in his shop in later years. John was also loyal to his church, FBC Euless, joining in 1964. 

John Fitch was bigger than life, a special man loved by all who knew him. While a tremendous void is left in this place it is exciting to think that he is with the love of his life and the numerous family and friends that have gone before him.

John is survived by his sons, Jeff Fitch, Jay Fitch and wife Marcy, his beloved grandchildren, Sarah Mann and husband Leo, John Fitch and wife Sydney, Matthew Fitch and Abi, Jacob Fitch and wife Macy, and Hannah Fitch, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.