Paul Fitzpatrick was always quick with a story, and now it is time to tell his. He was born in North Platte, Nebraska, on July 22nd, 1947, to Jack and Edna (Bailey) Fitzpatrick. He was the third of four siblings. Despite his best efforts to get kicked out, he graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1965.
Paul then attended Kearney State College on a swimming scholarship and met LaVon, the love of his life, that same year. Paul was drafted and served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Serving his country was always a source of pride, and he later served in the Honor Guard for military funerals in the area. After his tours, he finished his bachelor’s degree at Kearney State while working for Union Pacific and starting a family. He married LaVon Larsen in 1969, a loving partnership that lasted 57 years.
Paul started as a brakeman and then conductor for the Union Pacific. Always a champion for the underdog, it was natural for him to get involved with the United Transportation Union. He was elected as the local UTU secretary/treasurer, and then as the local chairman. He worked on the railroad for 42 years before finally retiring.
This did not mean he stopped working. Even in retirement, the busier Paul was, the happier he was. He always had multiple things going on, from building treehouses and swimming pools to doing income taxes. He even started and ran a pawn shop for several years after he retired.
Paul loved life and truly lived it to the fullest, as his countless stories would attest. He loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Telling jokes was always a highlight, sometimes to the chagrin of his family.
Paul celebrated 52 years of sobriety this past year. AA was a huge part of his life, and he worked with many people on recovery, some of which would become his best friends.
Paul coached youth softball for many years, often taking nearly half the team to practice in his VW bus. He was great at drawing and woodworking. He loved to fish, camp, and spend time on the lake. He got into running and even finished several triathlons and a half marathon. He loved to travel all over the US and internationally, but his hometown of North Platte was his favorite place. In later years, he lived in Lincoln and the Kansas City area where his children and grandchildren live.
His story officially ended on January 8th, 2026, but the memories and his legacy live on in the lives and memories of his family and friends. He will be missed by many but especially by his family: daughter Jill McAdam, and her children Aidan and Brenna of Lincoln; daughter Lisa, son-in-law and best friend Michael Fickenscher, and their children, Ella and Millie of Overland Park, KS; sister Rhea Merriman of Tucson, AZ: and beloved wife LaVon, who also now lives in Overland Park.
A celebration of life is being planned for this spring in North Platte. More information on this will be posted closer to the date.