Truman Fitzgerald

Truman D. "Blue" Fitzgerald, a legend in the East Texas oil business, passed away March 19, 2006 at the age of 81. Born in Rains County on Oct. 14, 1924, he started in the oil business at the age of 18 and got his nickname, "Blue", from Burns & Winnie Brown who gave him his start in the oil business. He worked his way up as a roughneck, driller, toolpusher, and then formed and owned three drilling companies - Irish Drilling, Blue Drilling and Bluco Drilling. After suffering accidents, he had to learn how to walk again three times. On two other occasions, he overcame blindness. His family and friends regarded him as a true survivor with more than nine lives. Among his many enjoyments was watching his daughter, Jonna, play the fiddle. He especially enjoyed attending weekly cattle auctions with his best friends, Jack Burson, George Cooper, and Jason Murphy. Mr. Fitzgerald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eddie Ruth Fitzgerald of Flint; daughter, Jonna Gail Fitzgerald of Tyler; sons, Randall "Randy" Fitzgerald of Northern California and Jerry Fitzgerald of Dallas; brother, C.T. Fitzgerald of Quitman; sisters, Peggy Fitzgerald of Tyler, Joyce Ashley of Tyler, and Opal Schroer of Jacksonville; and a number of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, William T. and Nannie Kate Fitzgerald, brothers, Alton, Cleburn Ray, and Dan, and sister, Katherine Caldwell. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., south Tyler. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2006 in the Chapel of Stewart Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Fitzgerald and the Rev. Dr. David Dykes officiating. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. in Elm Cemetery near Emory under direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be David Ashley, Daniel Fitzgerald, Will Fitzgerald, Kevin Fitzgerald, Riley Fitzgerald and Danny Fitzgerald. Honorary pallbearers are the members of Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy Foundation. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Tom Alexander, his longtime friend and physician. Memorials in honor of Mr. Fitzgerald may be made to Elm Cemetery Association, 12161 FM 514, Emory, TX 75440.

Truman Fitzgerald

October 14, 1924 - March 19, 2006