Don Fithian

Don Fithian passed away on May 6, 2017 while in the process of moving from Beaumont, Calif., to Springdale, Ark. He was born in Joplin, Mo., on Feb. 8, 1931 and moved to California in 1961. While in California he founded a structural steel co, Columbia Steel in Rialto, Calif. He served on the board of Mexican Medical, a Christian medical organization, as a volunteer pilot; and served one year as president of the National Orange Show in San Bernardino, Calif. He was a member of the fellowship in the Pass church in Beaumont, Calif. Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Sheffler Fithian; one son, Gary and wife Joanne of Fayetteville, Ark.; two grandchildren, Trevor Fithian of Beaverton, Ore.; and Tamara Gressley of Payson, Ariz.; four great grandchildren, Toby, Dillon, Braylynn and Brody; one sister, Virginia Melton and husband Gene of Joplin, Mo.; and three brothers, Bill Fithian, Bob Fithian and wife Joy all of Rogers, Ark., and Harold Fithian and wife Reva of Norman, Okla. He was preceded in death by a son, Alan Fithian and a daughter, Shirley Fithian. Shirley and Don will be placed together at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin, Mo. Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home, 2230 N. Thompson, Springdale, Ark., with refreshments beginning at 9 a.m. and service to begin at 10 a.m. Rev. Bill Peters and Pastor Kevin Melton will officiate the service. Burial will follow that day at 2 p.m. at the Osborne Memorial Cemetery, 33rd and McClelland Blvd. in Joplin. To sign the online guest book please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.