Bethel Leon Fitzsimmons

Bethel "Leon" Fitzsimmons, 93, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on July 28, 2025. He was born on December 7, 1931, in the Akins community of Oklahoma to Eula (Allen) and Coleman Fitzsimmons.

Leon had a long and fulfilling life. He graduated from Central High School and later married the late Goldie Light, with whom he had three cherished children: Nina, Cole, and Kelly. On October 11, 1974, he married the love of his life, Judith. Together, they built a loving home and shared many joyful moments during their 50 year marriage.

Leon loved farming, fishing and gardening, especially growing tomatoes. He spent many years working abroad in the oil fields, gathering a wealth of experiences from his travels, which he loved to share with others. However, above all, Leon treasured his family, who were central to his life.

Leon is survived by his devoted wife Judith; his daughter Nina Hamilton and her husband Mike; son Kelly Fitzsimmons and his wife Terrie; and a legacy of love through his six grandchildren—Shana, Jake, Trevor, Ashlee, Tiffany, and Heather—and seven great-grandchildren—Addy, Jaelyn, Kyle, Blake, Riley, Hutch, and Stevie. He is also survived by two sisters, Emma McCormick and Colene Miller, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Coleman and Eula Fitzsimmons; his son Cole Fitzsimmons; and four sisters, Joyce Fullbright, Dorothy Woodord, Pauline Fitzsimmons, and Lois England; as well as one brother, Carney Fitzsimmons.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Viewing will take place on Thursday from 1 PM to 8 PM at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home, with family greeting attendees from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Pallbearers honoring Leon’s memory will be Kelly Fitzsimmons, Trevor Fitzsimmons, Jake Fitzsimmons, Mike Hamilton, Keith Lynch, and Christopher Thomas.

Leon Fitzsimmons' life was one of dedication, love, and adventure, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.