Cover photo for Joseph Donald Fritz's Obituary
Joseph Donald Fritz Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Joseph Donald Fritz
1938 2021

Joseph Donald Fritz

April 6, 1938 — May 5, 2021

Joseph Donald Fritz, son of the late William G. Fritz and Zena (Cox) Fritz was born April 6, 1938 in Bucoda, Missouri and departed this life on May 5, 2021 at the age of 83 years and 20 days.

Joseph was raised in the areas of Senath, Missouri and Imboden, Arkansas. He was part of a large family which ran a store and a farming operation in the near vicinity of Senath. When he came of age, he served his country proudly in the United States Air Force, and was stationed in various locations around the world. In one of those locations (Topeka KS), he met his future wife, Lorma Groves, at a basketball game. They were married in Topeka on May 29, 1960, shortly before he was honorably discharged from service. He then earned his degree at Arkansas State, after which they lived near Cardwell, Missouri and raised two children (David and Debra). Joseph helped with the family farm and taught science at Senath/Hornersville High School for a few years, and then in 1970 the family moved to Charlottesville, VA so he could get his Master's Degree at the University of Virginia. After he obtained his degree, the family remained in Charlottesville, so he got a job teaching science at Charlottesville High School. His children graduated, moved on to their own careers and started their own families. In the late eighties, Joseph and Lorma went on a long-planned trip to Europe, visiting several countries. In 1991, Lorma, the love of his life, passed from this life. He remained at his teaching position until his retirement. Throughout his life, Joseph was at various times active in Amateur Radio, online blogging and discussion, nature conservation, family genealogy research, computing (Apple computers, of course!), education, and various other activities. Towards the end of his life, he moved back to Senath, into the Fritz family's original home. At the passing of his brother Wendell, he took over management of the family farm. He remained in the Senath area until his death.

Survivors include his son, David (Susan) Fritz of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Debra (Phillip) Fritz-Pinkney of Bloomington, Illinois; five grandchildren: Andre Pinkney, Kathryn, Sarah, Ryan and Maria Fritz; sister: Margie Singer of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife Lorma, five brothers: Wendell, Bobby, Ellis, William Gordon, Jr. and Clifford Fritz and two sisters: Billie Ann Braden and Helen Booker.

Graveside services 11am Friday, May 28, 2021 at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Senath-Hornersville Education Fund/Bobby Fritz Memorial, P. O. Box 456 Senath, Missouri.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Friday, May 28, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Mount Hope Cemetery

, Topeka, KS

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