Don Fitzwater
 |
2016
Don Fitzwater
Community Service
Class of 1949
Don Fitzwater graduated for Beatrice High School in 1949, earned his private pilot license in 1951, and served as manager of the Beatrice Airport of 46 years. During this time he used his many interests and talents for the betterment of his city, state, and airport industry.
During the fifties through the seventies, Don did flight instruction and flew charters throughout the Midwest. Fitzwater contributed to many firsts in the aviation field. He was squadron commander for the Civil Air Patrol Chapter, one of the founders on the Flying Conestoga (an aviation and airport booster organization), was instrumental in putting up the Air Force Jet at the Beatrice Airport and was one of the first weather observers in the Nebraska Observation System starting in 1956.
In 1993, Fitzwater was awarded the Nebraska and International Flying Farmers and Ranchers, "Airport Operator Award." He believed inefficient service, a neat and clean facility, a friendly atmosphere at the Beatrice Municipal Airport and earned the very first, "Nebraska Airport of the Year Award." Fitzwater said, "The Beatrice Airport is the front door of Beatrice." He was also awarded the Presidential Citation by the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) in 1991, the highest award is given in the field of aviation. Don held al of the offices of the Nebraska Association of Airport Officials and was inducted into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1991 he organized and served as the first president of the Beatrice Airport Foundation.
He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, sons of the American Legion, Jaycees, NRA, AOPA, Masons and Seostris Shrine. He reorganized the Jayhusker Car Club and started the first swap meet. He was also instrumental in forming the Gage County Historical Society in 1971 and served as the first President. Fitzwater also served on the board for many years.
Fitzwater was also an inventory. He invented and patented the Fitzhook, a hook to tie down airplanes and the Evarin, a vegetation protector around runway lights.