Gwindell “Fritz” Kay, 71, of Oswego, died following a sudden terminal illness the morning of October 7, 2023 at the “Solace House” in Joplin, Mo. He was born on September 29, 1952 in Birmingham, Ala. He was the son of Gwinn Edward Kay and Betty (Stuart) Casey.
Fritz attended Rockwood Elementary and Jackson Junior High school in Oklahoma City, Okla. The family then moved back to Waldron, Arkansas and graduating from Waldron Senior High with the class of 1970. Following graduation, Fritz attended Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Post. After basic training, Fritzserved in the 2nd BM. 327th INF., 101st ABN Division during the Vietnam War from September of 1971 and returned home to Waldron in April of 1972. He served additional time with U.S. Army Reserve until 1977, along with United States National Guard of Arkansas until being honorably discharged in 1985. Fritz served his country and proudly received the Bronze Star medal and continued to serve his community until his retirement.
Fritz graduated from Labette Community College and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. He started his law enforcement career working for the Mound Valley police department and then moved to Oswego,.
In 2010, he retired as the Assistant Chief of Police for the Oswego Police Department after 28 years of serving his community. Fritz made many friends during his career and had a pride for Oswego.
Fritz was married to Connie (Dessenberger) Kay . They later divorced. He then married Amy (Garretson) Higgins and they later divorced.
Fritz loved music, especially Elvis Presley and Glen Campbell, motorcycles, trips back home to Waldron, and laughing and joking with his brother and best friend, Mike. He was notorious for telling stories, always the comedian of the group, Fritz loved to make people laugh. Fritz will be missed by his two daughters and grandchildren, along with his family and many friends made in law enforcement.
Fritz is survived by his mother Betty (Stuart) Casey of Waldron, Ark.; daughters; Meagan (Kay) Sullivan (husband Seth) of Columbus and Melissa (Kay) Mitchell (husband Christopher) of O’Fallon, Ill.; brother Michael Kay (wife Michelle) of San Antonio, Texas; sisters; Janie Kay of Killeen, Texas and Montez (Kay) Peterson (husband Dennis)of Boerne, Texas. Five grandchildren; Katelyn Boatman, Sydney Sturgeon, Derek Raschen, Kinlee and Kayson (Kesinger) Sullivan; five great-grandchildren; Ella age 6, Easton age 5, Elowyn age 1, Emerson age 1 and Jack age 6 mo.; nieces and nephews include Richard, Robin, Kelli, Mickey, Dallis, Dakota, Dillon and Gavin, along with several great nieces and nephews also survive.
Services will be held Friday, October 20, at 11 a.m. at The First Baptist Church in Oswego.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Solace House of the Ozarks through their website www.donatesolacehouse.com.