Charles K. Fitzpatrick

Charles Kirk Fitzpatrick passed away on December 18, 2011 with his wife, Lillian by his
side. He was 86. Charlie was born in Lecompton, Kansas on March 29, 1925 to Margaret
Mae Martin and Gilbert Kirk Fitzpatrick. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas graduating from
Topeka High School in 1942. He first went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad in the
Accounting Department. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Navy and served as a
Pharmacist’s Mate in the Pacific until his discharge in 1946. He considered going to
college to study medicine under the G.I. bill until a chance meeting with his former Santa
Fe supervisor. He was told that the Santa Fe held his seniority rights and he could go to
work immediately. It was while working in the Accounting Department that he met his
wife, Lillian Staab. Charlie and Lillian were married on June 14, 1952 at Sacred Heart
Church in Topeka, Kansas.

Charlie later transferred to the Claims Department where he worked until being
transferred to Pueblo, Colorado in 1953 and then to La Junta in December of 1961. He
retired as District Claim Agent in 1987 after 42 years of service. Charlie was an avid
reader, loved playing golf and volley ball, and helped coach baseball and football when
his sons were involved. He was a member of the La Junta Catholic Church, past
President of Rotary Club and of the Quarterback Club, former member of the Elks Club,
and served 25 years on the La Junta Variance Board. For several years he wrote the
Saturday “Across the Fence” column for the La Junta Tribune Democrat. He also
appeared in several Picketwire and Jeff Church productions, and had a small speaking
role in the 1973 movie Badlands starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. He was also a
self proclaimed “proficient palm reader”.

He is survived by his wife Lillian of 59 years; son Tom Fitzpatrick of La Junta, Co; Mike
(Christy) Fitzpatrick of Superior, Co; daughter Sally Fitzpatrick of Sydney, Australia; son

Sean (Thais) Fitzpatrick of Elbert, Co; son Patrick (Leigh) Fitzpatrick of La Junta, Co;
son Tim Fitzpatrick of San Francisco, Ca; his grandchildren Brian, Derek, Cooper, Lily
and Bali Fitzpatrick, as well as two step grandchildren Taylor and Drew Krenwinkle. He
is also survived by two nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, services will be private.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com.  Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home
& Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


At the family’s request, for those who would like to pay their respects, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity or simply pass along an act of kindness in his honor.