Mark Alan Fitzgerald, 50, was born in El Dorado on November 7, 1958, the son of Donald H. and Rosemary Fitzgerald of El Dorado. He left this world to be with his Lord on August 11, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer; He was surrounded by family and friends at the John Williamson Hospice Care Center.

He was a 1977 graduate of Parkers Chapel High School, completing studies and welding certification at Oil Belt Vo-Tech before beginning his working days in the south Arkansas and north Louisiana oil fields. He began working for American Steel Company in El Dorado in 1986, where his hard work and dedication earned him the respect and friendship of his co-workers, as well as position of Shop Foreman.

Mark loved his Lord and the great outdoors, being an avid hunter, a camper, and a passionate Arkansas Razorbacks fan, especially the football and basketball Hogs.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; George and Ruby Wyss, his paternal grandparents; Hugh and Georgia Fitzgerald, and his father, all of El Dorado/Union County.

Mark is survived by his mother; his loving wife of 25 years, Shelley Fitzgerald; a brother, Hayden Fitzgerald and Tammie; a sister Jeanette Blackman and Rick, all of El Dorado, and a brother Jeff Fitzgerald and Liz of Orwigsburg, Pa. He also leaves behind two daughters, Stephanie Luker and Jason; Whitney Haynes and Will; and one son, Cody Fitzgerald and his fiance' Mary Susan Hall; all of El Dorado. His three grandchildren Hunter and Kaden Luker; and Ethan Haynes all loved and were loved by their "Paw". Mark's extended family includes many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, all of whom will dearly miss his companionship, guidance, and loyal friendship.

Visitation will be at Perry's Funeral Chapel, August 13, 2009, from 6:00 till 8:00 PM. The family will be at the home of Rosemary Fitzgerald, 3116 Southfield Road.

The funeral will take place at Perry's Funeral Chapel on August 14 at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Floyd Taylor officiating, burial following in the Old Parker's Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers include Buddy Ham, Larry Hollis, Bret Hammond, Mike Mol bee, David Coleman and Keith Thurmond. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Smith, Dean Care lock, Chuck Hays, Mike Hays, David Foster, and Terry Joiner.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the many doctors, nurses, professionals, and technicians who cared for and about Mark and the family during his treatment and care, with special thanks to the staff of John Williamson Hospice Care House. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the American Cancer Society, John Williamson Hospice Care House or the charity of the donor's choice.