Paul Fitzwater
Paul Fitzwater was born and raised in Washington County and is proud to come from a very large family with many brothers and sisters.
Paul graduated from Potosi High School in 1977. He was involved in football, basketball, track and cross country during his high school career.
Mr. Fitzwater graduated from Tarkio College in 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He started teaching in the Potosi R-3 School District in 1982. Paul worked in the Potosi R-3 School District until his retirement in 2009. Paul proudly talks about his 14 years as the head of the cross country program and coaching track and field for the full 29 years of his school teaching career. Paul says, “I was so fortunate to work with so many great kids and coaches along the way. I have so many fond memories of my time at Potosi High School.”
Paul and his wife, Sandy have been married for 38 years and were blessed with four wonderful children; Phoebe, Philip, Katherine and Kelsey. They have also been blessed with eleven wonderful grandchildren; Julian, Owen, Claira, Lydia, Paxton, River Paul, Truitt, Parker, Ella, Kate and Drew.
Paul said he was fortunate to own and operate Fitzwater & Son Concrete for many years. He said, “One of my favorite things to do was to give many of my students that were in school the opportunity to work during the summers and earn a little money, but most of all, give them an opportunity to learn how to work.”
Paul says he still dabbles in concrete a little, but nothing like when he was younger.
Another accomplishment that Paul likes to reflect on proudly is working as a high school and collegiate basketball referee for the past 35 years and still being very active as an official today. Mr. Fitzwater recently retired from football refereeing after 37 years of dedicated service.
After retiring from the Potosi R-3 School District, Mr. Fitzwater decided to stop complaining about politicians and threw his hat in the ring for the office of State Representative. He was elected in 2010 and served 7 years in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected 4 times, and his House tenure was cut short when Governor Eric Greitens appointed him to the Missouri Parole Board. He continues to serve the state in this capacity.
Paul says, “God has blessed my life in so many ways along the journey, and I could not have done it without him.” He went on to say, “I want to thank the members of the Hall of Fame Committee for considering me. I am honored.”