Bevo Fritz
June 2, 1954 - December 20, 2025
I spent the second half of this year trying to prepare myself for if this were to happen. I knew the diagnosis was not good, and that our time might be limited, but I did not know how little time we had. I am not filled with regret, because I spent almost every little bit of free time with my parents (not unlike the previous decade) as we tried different courses of treatment and as his condition deteriorated- but it still all feels slightly unreal. I hear his voice in my head as if it were my own, and a hearing a recording of his voice instantly brings me to tears. The picture we chose for the obituary reminds me of all the times I would be going ballistic inside of restuarants as a child and without fail, he would pull my snoopy, charlie brown and lucy rubber toys out of his front t-shirt pocket, just in the nick of time to prevent a total meltdown- something I feel like I could use today.
But that's not what he would have wanted: he didn't raise no "wussy man," and while he was a profoundly emotional man, he was also wonderfully charming, warm, and sacrificed more for his family than any man should. I can't do justice to the amount of love he showed me: the grace he showed when I landed on the doorstep at 25 jobless, without a compass in life, and lacking the love I thought I could find in following my passion. When I was a child: taking me to sports practices and games even though my Bobby Hill-like physique made it obvious the line was ending before middle school. The hours I spent nestled in the green futon next to his chair watching movies and TV together, while he'd go and scoop me up a big bowl of Breyer's Vanilla.
In the years since 2020, we bonded more than ever before: often completing his sentences for him (a process he called 'googling') when he couldn't remember a name or actor, but the thing is, he never lost his wit and sense of humor (or memory): The last time I saw him (hours before his passing) he was still cracking jokes and making silly faces in light of the situation's gravity.
Ultimately, he was just a wonderful man: no one I've ever encountered had cross words for him. He set a shining example to me, of how to care for others as yourself (even more) and that every person deserves grace and love. I will miss him and think of him often, but it goes without saying, I will continue his work: everything that he taught me has been valuable ten-fold as I advance into my adult life and his work is providing dividends.
Bevo, I love you, and until we meet again: I will see it done and go do it
Bevo Fritz
June 2, 1954 - December 20, 2025
Bevo Fritz was born June 2,1954 in Richmond, KY to Grace Mansfield Fritz and Leon Fritz. After completing basic training in grapevine navigation and pony riding in the wilds of Bybee he graduated to motorcycles, Mustangs and rock concerts. He met and married his wife of 46 years, Ellen Amster, and went on to be a pioneer Mr. Mom (before it was cool), family chauffeur, plant whisperer extraordinaire, inventor of words and million-dollar ideas, bicycle scientist, and most of all, beloved husband and father.Bevo was the father of Emily Lou Fritz (Eric Rexford), Henry Amster Fritz, Grace Elizabeth Fritz (Jacob Moore) and grandfather of James Ezra Rexford. Bevo was the elder sibling of Gail Barger (George), Thomas Fritz, Jason Fritz (Missy) and William Fritz.
Bevo was an avid naturalist. He relished gardening, fishing, discovering interesting rock specimens and had an eye to spot four-leaf clovers. He was insatiably curious about the world and people and was quick to strike up conversation and friendships wherever he went. He was always eager to lend a hand and practiced doing a good deed every day. Bevo had a great sense of humor and was known for his story-telling and the occasional good natured prank. His magnetic personality made him a natural “wheeler dealer” and he loved nothing better than finding a good deal. His ability to connect people led to him to cultivate quite a collection of toys, antiques, curiosities, friends, acquaintances and even some critters (including his beloved cat, Crickett).
Bevo was also a legendary chef and host, known for cooking “Bevo burgers”, beer cheese, chili and a mean pan of corn bread with his soup beans and ham. He attributed his delicious fare to the use of his secret ingredient- LOVE. He also had a keen artistic sense and loved collecting and creating art and could throw together an award-winning project for his children at the drop of a hat. Bevo spent many hours ferrying the kids to practices, games, lessons and events all while teaching them life lessons about how to treat others with kindness, how to be a “safety scout”, and to always put family first.
Ellen describes Bevo as having the most curious mind, with interests spanning a myriad of music, science, and culture. There was no challenge too great for Bevo, even if he had to YouTube it first: from researching the story of an antique to appliance and car repair. He was a man of many talents and interests, and even before he got started on a project he could “see it done”. His family will always cherish Bevo’s selfless devotion and love, his boundless ability to bring joy and humor into any old gloomy day, and his contagious zest for life.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Bevo Fritz will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at The First Christian Church, 412 West Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday at the church.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Outreach Fund at First Christian Church of Richmond or that people follow Bevo’s example of doing a good deed to help someone.