Steve Gayle Fitzgerald

Steve Gayle Fitzgerald, 73 passed away peacefully at his home in Lavaca, Arkansas, on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Born July 1, 1952, he was the cherished son of Gayle Fitzgerald and Francis Marie Whalen.

He dedicated his career to Gerber for 38 years. A member of Enterprise Freewill Baptist church in Lavaca, Steve’s deep love for the Lord shone through in his kindness to others. Steve found great joy in spending time with his family and puppies, collecting Hot Wheels, watching the Kentucky Wildcats and the Arkansas Razorbacks, decorating for Christmas, listening to his police scanner, and country music. He cherished the outdoors and spent many hours caring for his chickens and watching storms come in. Known for his wit, orneriness, and strength of character, Steve was also loving, wise, and full of heart. He adored his wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always ready with advice. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, great grandfather, and loyal friend.

Steve is survived by wife, Regenia Fitzgerald, his two sons: Chris Fitzgerald and wife Cheryl of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; John Floyd and his wife Heather of Lavaca, Arkansas; his three daughters: Christy Fitzgerald of Dallas, Texas; Trina Crawford and husband Michael of Lavaca, Arkansas; Cheryl Smithson and husband of Joe Lavaca, Arkansas. He also leaves behind nineteen grandchildren: Christopher, Abigail, Macey, Chloe, Emma Kate, Avery, Emily, Luke, Zach, Cheyenne, Balee, Kayla, Caleb, Trey, Peyton, Paxtyn, Savannah, Zander, Christian; and ten great-grandchildren: Addison, Rebbeca, Edward, Isabella, Jane, Wednesday, Parker, Kaine, Kreek, Aubrey, and soon to be great granddaughter Finley. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Lisa Whalen; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Gayle Fitzgerald and Francis Whalen, and his great granddaughter, Layla. His legacy of kindness lives on in all who knew him.

A family held memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Riverbluff Farms, 1805 Hickman Bluff Rd., Lavaca, AR 72941. The family ask to wear razorback red or kentucky blue since Steve was an avid Arkansas Razorback and Kentucky Wildcats fan.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask to make donations to Enterprise Freewill Baptist Church, 5211 State Hwy 252, Lavaca, AR 72941.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.