FRITTS, Michael Jun 18, 1947 – May 16, 2017

On Tuesday May 16th 2017, the world lost a colorful personality when Michael Alan Fritts passed away. Mike fought a 15 month long battle with cancer – on his own terms. Born on June 18th 1947, Frank & Ruth Fritts became first time parents to a blue eyed baby boy. They brought Mike to their farm in Parke County and this began his life's journey as a farmer. As time passed, the family and the farm both grew. Eventually Mike was introduced to cattle…specifically Black Angus Cattle – and he fell hopelessly in love. This passion continued to the very end. Mike built many life-long friendships in the cattle industry, while inspiring and encouraging countless others to also become involved. Mike was active in 4-H and remained active while his younger sisters were involved, even becoming the leader of their club. In addition to his passion for all things cattle, Mike sprinkled in a love for sports, particularly basketball. Mike graduated from Turkey Run High School in 1965, where he was a pretty talented ball player and extended that love to officiating basketball as an adult. All the while, remaining an avid fan of college basketball (go IU!). Later in life, Mike discovered the miracle of being a grandparent and dearly loved being 'Grandpa'. Mike never met a stranger and was always quick with a joke. His ability to entertain others was somewhat legendary. Whether meeting people while enjoying a cup of coffee, visiting a casino, or while receiving treatment at the Hux Cancer Center, Mike had a way of immediately making people comfortable, and will truly be missed by many – but his stories will live on. Mike leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Marge Fritts. Sisters: Barb Market (Mike), Bev Allen (Roger) and Janet Stine. Stepsons: Kevin Brickey (Danielle) and Bryan Brickey (companion Jennifer and her daughter Madison). Grandchildren: Cadence, Weston and Nataly; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his son, Mark Fritts and his parents, Frank and Ruth Fritts. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N 3rd St., West Terre Haute with Pastor Jeff Lee and Sister Betty Hopf officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday and prior to services Monday. We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Kunapareddy, Dr.Haerr, Sister Betty Hopf and the nurses and staff at the Hux Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Hux Cancer Center, 1711 N 6th ½ Street, Suite 100, Terre Haute, IN 47804-2780