Russell W. Fitzsimmons

Russell W. Fitzsimmons, 85, died peacefully Dec. 4, 2023, at The Waters of Greencastle.

He was born May 4, 1938, in Greencastle, the son of Willard W. Fitzsimmons and Hazel M. (Buis) Scott.

Russell graduated from Greencastle High School in the class of 1957.

After school, he served in the United States Air Force and was primarily stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

After his service was concluded he returned to Greencastle. He would later meet and marry Judy Joan Smythe. They were married for over 50 years prior to her death.

Russell was a longtime member of American Legion Post 58 and the VFW in Greencastle. He also belonged to the Fraternal Order of the Moose for many years and the Eagles Lodge in Brazil.

Russell was a loving and caring “Papaw” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished his time with them up until the very end.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; a daughter, Faith Capps of Greencastle; two sisters, Patricia Jones and Rita Ash, both of Greencastle; and a brother, Lester Fitzsimmons of Arizona.

He is survived by his stepdaughter, Leanne (Tim) Lawless of Greencastle; two sons, Scott (Amy) Fitzsimmons of Greenville, S.C., and Gary (Jay) Fitzsimmons of Albuquerque, N.M.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, to please make donations to a charity of your choosing.

A celebration of life will be conducted at a future date.