Paul Fitzner, III

Gustave Paul Fitzner, III, a proud military veteran, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, in Port Arthur, Texas. Born on July 3, 1942, in Vallejo, California to Gustave Paul Fitzner, Jr. and Thelma Geanalloni, later adopted by Aline Marie Schneider Fitzner, Paul spent his early life in California and New Mexico before moving to Texas. Paul graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Class of 1961 and until his death maintained close relationships with many of his classmates. Paul remained involved with reunions and dinners planned by the Class of 1961 and built many friendships through the years.

After graduating from High School, Paul honorably served his country in the United States Army. While stationed in Babenhausen, Germany, he met Ursula Spachmann. They married in 1963 and moved to the United States after the birth of their first child. Paul remained with the Army and National Guard before retiring honorably after a distinguished career.

Known for his vibrant spirit, Paul truly enjoyed life. He loved attending parties and was well known for his collection of holiday-themed shirts, bringing joy and festivity wherever he went. He always wore a cap from either the military or one of the sports teams he supported. Beyond his social engagements, Paul was also dedicated to civic duty, running the computer for elections, and had a passion for history, genealogy and photography, capturing moments and memories through his lens.

Paul's legacy lives on through his family. He is survived by his daughter Kirsten Fitzner Beard and her husband Chris, son Steven Fitzner, daughter Audrey Fitzner Rider, grandson's Brian LaBarbera and wife Georgette, great granddaughter Gwendolyn Avery LaBarbera, grandson Jason LaBarbera, Kyle LaBarbera, Hunter Rider, granddaughter Tiffany Rider Perkinz and husband Jordan and their six children, Haylie, Jillian, Benjamin, Gavin, Lucas and Harrison. Paul also leaves behind his sisters, Joette Parrinello, Beverly Trammel and Roseanne Dunn, nephews Josh Fitzner, Jeff Jenny and Jason Jenny and his beloved niece, Lizabeth Fitzner Malik.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gustave Paul Fitzner, Sr.; his mother, Thelma Geanalloni; his adoptive mother, Aline Schneider Fitzner; and his brothers, Harry Fitzner, Charles Jenny, and Steve Wilson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM, both at Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors, 5200 39th Street, Groves, Texas.

Paul's daughter Kirsten would also like to extend her appreciation to the staff at Rosefield Court and Compassion Hospice: Dianna, Kim, Jessica, Chanealia, Wanda, Chaplain Robert Pitre, and his great friend, Jean Kay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-save-historic-documents or Green Star Families at https://greenstarfamilies.org/donate/. These two organizations relate to Paul's life of service to the US Army and to his deep-rooted interest in history and genealogy.