Jack Milton Fitzwater

Jack M. Fitzwater Dancing with Ruby Jack Milton Fitzwater, age 94, passed away April 6, 2013 in Orem, Utah. Jack was born July 17, 1918 in Duchesne, Utah to William Henry Fitzwater and Lucretia Buckalew Fitzwater. He was the 11th of 12 children. Following his graduation from Duchesne High School, he married Blanche Anderton. They had one daughter, Dianne, and were later divorced. During World War II, Jack was in the army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant in the First Cavalry Division. He served his country in the Pacific Theater and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan as part of the occupation forces. While there, he was selected as part of an honor guard for Mrs. Douglas MacArthur when she christened the officers club, which he had helped construct, aboard the USS Gary Owens. Jack married Ruby Fietkau in 1947. They made their home in Duchesne where they raised their family. Jack was a carpenter and general contractor. He was active in the American Legion and was a member of the City Council. Jack enjoyed camping with friends and family. He was an avid sportsman, loving fishing and hunting. In later years, he was a devoted Jazz fan. Jack and Ruby moved to Salt Lake in 1970. They lived in Midvale for 6 years and in Taylorsville for 33 years. In Salt Lake, Jack worked for Boise Cascade, Interstate Homes and Hogan & Tingey Construction. In 2011 they left their home in Taylorsville to reside at Summerfield Assisted Living in Orem, Utah. Jack was a member of the LDS Church, but he always said family was his religion. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and seven sisters, infant twin sons, Bryce and Bryan, son Jeffrey, daughter Dianne and beloved Ruby. He is survived by his sister, Doris Bailey, Roosevelt, UT; daughters, Shirley (Jerry) Fry, Price, UT, Michele (Brent) Lee, Tabiona, UT , Marsha (Don) Reynolds, Orem, UT and Camille Davies, Midvale, UT; 25 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Summerfield Assisted Living, Curo Hospice and Senior Helpers for their loving care of dad. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 13, 2013, 11:30 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Rd. where a viewing will be held, 10:15a.m.-11:15 a.m. prior to the service. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates. Hobbies:Fishing, hunting, watching the Jazz and being out of doorsOccupation:Carpenter