Robert A. Fitch

Robert Arthur Fitch, 74, of North Richland Hills, Texas, went home to be with his Savior on May 18, 2021. He loved God, loved people, and loved life.

A native Texan and son of a World War II B-17 air crewman, Bob was a true “Baby Boomer.” He was born in Kingsville on September 19, 1946. Bob’s father, Lloyd Fitch, worked after the war as a lawman for the U.S. Border Patrol, and while Bob spent his childhood moving with his mother and brother to his dad’s various patrol assignments across Texas (e.g. Raymondville, Langtry, Houston, and Harlingen,) the family knew Kingsville as home. As a young man, he loved playing tennis and baseball, fixing cars, fishing, and hunting.

After graduating in 1964 from Kingsville High School, he proudly served for six years in the armed forces, first in the U.S. Army and then the Texas Army National Guard. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&I Kingsville in 1976, Bob began a 25 year career in information technology and computer programming. Not being one content to simply remain behind a desk, he spent as much time as possible in the skies piloting his beloved Cessna 172.

In 1979, Bob married the love of his life, Rosanne Cabaniss of Rockport, with whom he welcomed into the world two daughters, Jennifer Russell (1981) and Erin Elizabeth (1985). Bob and Rosie raised their family in the mid-cities area of Dallas-Fort Worth. Bob steered his daughters to love God, love people, and to always reach for their dreams. He not only invested the family in a church home, but he and Rosie also took on new roles as entrepreneurs. The friendships and lifestyle Bob built as an Amway Corporation direct distributor cultivated in his family a culture of positive thinking, high work ethic, leadership, and tenacity that endures to this day.

Trading his Cessna for a Honda Goldwing motorcycle and matching leather vest, Bob spent his retirement years based out of his home in North Richland Hills. He faithfully served in his local church, Life Connection Church, and traveled the world with Rosie, visiting over 20 countries across four continents. Through his church and his travels, Bob always focused on building relationships, and was always available to help a friend in need, even if the need was merely a kind and understanding ear to listen.  

Bob is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd H. Fitch, mother, Sopha Nell Smith, and brother Lloyd H. Fitch, Jr. (“Butch”). He is survived by his wife, Rosanne, daughters Jennifer Cates of Bedford and Erin Humiston of Hurst, their spouses, James Cates and Scott Humiston, and six grandchildren: Nathan Cates, Liam Cates, Carys Humiston, Asher Humiston, Leo Humiston, and Christian Humiston.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Friday, May 28, at 3:00 pm at Life Connection Church in Euless. A graveside service will take place at Pilot Grove Cemetery on Tuesday, June 1, at 1:00 pm in Yoakum, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Bob’s memory to The Wounded Warrior Project.