Richard Wesley Fitzke was a man who loved hard and lived harder, known as “Ricke, Dad, Papa, or “Old Fart,” passed away at the age of 89 in Chester, Virginia. He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Addie Lumley Fitzke and Ernest Robert Fitzke, and lived a long, full life marked by love and laughter. It’s hard to find the words to honor his grit, his humor, his service, his quirks, and the way he shaped our lives. Richard loved his giant family, traveling, pools and fishing, and if you ever asked how he was, he would tell you always doing “about half”. He loved deeply and unconditionally; he never met a stranger. He would always give the biggest hugs and if he forgot that he gave you one he would be asking for another. 

Richard spent 20 of his 89 years serving in the United States Army, including time with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he jumped out “perfectly good airplanes”. He was a proud Vietnam veteran, a title he carried with quiet strength and lifelong pride. 

He was married for 63 years to Bea Lillie Marshall Fitzke, and together they built a family that grew across generations. His legacy of love lives on through his children, Carole Evonne Poe (Michael), Deborah Lillie Fitzke-Lane (Mark), James Thomas Fitzke Sr. and Donna Marie Fitzke; his siblings, Ethel Jean Cotter and Mansel Dillon Haworth; thirteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom carry pieces of his humor, strength, and resilience. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bea; his siblings, Ernest Carl Fitzke, Joann Frances Heatley, and Paul Don Fitzke; his sons, Richard Donald (Donny) Fitzke and John Wesley Fitzke, Sr.; and his grandson, James Thomas (JT) Fitzke, Jr. 

Richard lived a life that was real, imperfect, and deeply rooted in family. He didn’t need formality, just his people around him and the freedom to be exactly who he was. He will be missed, remembered, and undoubtedly talked about with laughter for generations to come. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Full Military Honors will be rendered at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home in recognition of his honorable service. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.