Larry Van Fitzgerald

Larry Van Fitzgerald, 78, of Riverside, TX, passed away at his ranch on February 20, 2025. Born on December 8, 1946, in Huntsville, he was the beloved son of LV and Willie Evelyn (Archer) Fitzgerald. Larry graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, TX, in May 1965. His youth was spent playing baseball and working summers on the family ranch in Riverside. After high school, he attended Sam Houston State University, where he earned a degree in Agriculture and Forestry in 1969. He was an amateur team-roper with a lifelong passion for rodeo. For thirty years, Larry worked at Walker Byrd Lumber in Huntsville before transitioning to ranching full-time. Never one to shy away from a debate, he had strong opinions about many things—among them, how people should dress on airplanes. He was as opinionated as he was big-hearted, fiercely loyal, and deeply protective of those he loved. He was happiest outdoors, proud of his roots, and never wavered in his love for Texas. A longtime city councilman and mayor protem, Larry dedicated the last twenty years of his life to serving on the Board of the Riverside Pioneer Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his wonderful parents, LV and Willie Evelyn, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Rhatigan, and her husband Steve of The Woodlands, TX; his favorite nephew, Sean Rhatigan of The Woodlands, TX; his favorite niece, Sarah Krupinsky, and her husband Casimir of Springfield, VT; his great-nieces, Emilia and Abigail Krupinsky of Springfield, VT; and his cousin Montyne Clayton and her husband Patrick of Houston, TX, along with many other cherished Fitzgerald and Sadler cousins. Larry is also survived by his longtime companion, Ruth Elpers of Huntsville, TX, and her family, including her children, Melinda Burnett and Michelle Barnett and her husband Jeffrey; her grandchildren, Christopher Elpers and his wife Renee, William Elpers and his wife Megan, Ashley Burnett and her husband Nate, Robert Elpers, BreeAnna Barnett, and Priscilla Barnett; and her great-grandchildren, Michael Elpers, Peyton Gardiner, Paisley Elpers, Isaiah Barnett, Jeremiah Barnett, and Amelia Barnett. Larry lived a rich life, full of adventure and almost entirely on his own terms. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A remembrance service will be held at Riverside Baptist Church on Monday, February 24, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsville HS chapter of Future Farmers of America. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Larry Van Fitzgerald

December 8, 1946 - February 20, 2025