William "Howie" Fitzpatrick

William Howard Fitzpatrick was born on March 17, 1936 in Ottawa County, Kansas, the son of William T. and Nellie G. Herndon Fitzpatrick. He died on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Salina Regional Health Center at the age of 76 years, 8 months, and 21 days.
Howie, as he was known, was raised on the family farm in Ottawa County before going on to graduate from Salina High School in 1954. Following graduation, he entered in the United States Navy from 1955-1959.
He was united in marriage with Paula M. Kortum on December 1, 1962 in Enid, Oklahoma. They were privileged to spend nearly 49 years of marriage together until her death in July, 2011.
Howie spent many years as a computer technician, working for AT&T, Western Union, and Norad.
He and Paula were avid bowlers, and both are in the Salina Bowling Hall of Fame. They also coached bowling together for 20 years in Salina. He was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed traveling together, especially to Port Aransas, Texas during the winter months.
Howie had a big heart, and served on many boards and committees in town. He was a member and past commander for the American Legion, and was a member of the Cawker City United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife Paula, he was preceded in death by his parents.
Howie is survived by two daughters, Jean (Tom) Petersen of Rapid City, SD, and Marie (Mike) Hobbs of Windsor, MO; two sons, Jody (Teri) Dewey of Independence, MO, and Chris of Olympia, WA; two brothers, Norman Keith of Effingham, and Wendell F. (Marlene) of Lakewood, CO; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Wednesday, December 12 at the Cawker City United Methodist Church followed by burial at 2:30 PM on Wednesday in Roselawn Cemetery in Salina. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 PM Tuesday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Church, the Cawker City Senior Center, or the American Cancer Society.