Robert E. Fitzsimmons, Sr.

Robert Eugene Fitzsimmons, Sr., of 320 E. Prairie St., Wataga, died at 12:57 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at Heartland Health Care, Galesburg. Bob was born on May 3, 1935 in Ottumwa, Iowa the son of Charles and Kathleen Utterback Fitzsimmons.  He married Linda Young on September 21, 1958 in Ottumwa, Iowa.  Surviving Bob is his wife of over 50 years, Linda; 2 sons, Robert E. (Rita) Fitzsimmons, Jr. and Roger K. (Carrie) Fitzsimmons both of Galesburg; 2 daughters, Cecilee Farris of Galesburg and Stephanie (Mario) Revesic of Fairchild, WI; 4 grandchildren, Brandy Hossain, Andrew Farris, Kate Fitzsimmons, and Patrick Fitzsimmons, and 4 great grandchildren, Damion and Quinn McPherrin and Kendra and Aaron Hossain.  Also surviving are 5 brothers, Charles (Agnes) Fitzsimmons, George Fitzsimmons, Kenneth (Linda) Fitzsimmons, Richard (Kathy) Fitzsimmons, and Harold (Betty) Fitzsimmons; 4 sisters, Etta Mae (Junior) Evans, Delores (Raymond) Lanman, Beverly (Larry) Roberts, and Drucilla (Jack) Chickering.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Steve Farris. Bob attend Eldon High School.  He served in the US Navy aboard the USS Missouri from 1954 to 1958.  He was a carpenter and worked for several construction companies over the years.  After retiring from construction Bob worked in maintenance at Farmland Foods and for CUSD #205.  He was a member of Rio Masonic Lodge #685  A.F.&A.M.  He was also a member of the White Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Commandery, and Royal Arch Masons.  He was a member of the First Church of God. Masonic services will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg, with a memorial service to follow, with Pastors Don Reynolds and Luke Thompson officiating.  Burial of ashes will be at a later date in Wataga Cemetery, Wataga.  Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Thursday at Watson Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or to the Shriner’s Crippled Children Hospital.