David Glen Fritts
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
David Glen Fritts passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in exactly the way he would have chosen. Suddenly from a heart attack he never saw coming. David was born January 20, 1959 to Donald and Nadine Fritts in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Hickman Mills HS in 1977 where he was immersed in the theatre department. Dave received an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Missouri and went on to receive an MFA from Wayne State University in Detroit. Dave had opportunities all over the country upon graduation, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but his father had passed away while he was in graduate school and he wanted to come home just in case his mother needed him. This will not surprise anyone who knew Dave and his tender heart. So, he returned to the city he loved and found a second family in the KC Theater community. He also found his partner in life and married Karen Errington on July 25, 1999. Karen and Dave blessed this world with the addition of Dave’s mini-me in Jack Donald Fritts born March 6, 2001.
Words that have been used to describe Dave: kind, gracious, brilliant, inspirational, patient, real, accessible and of course, incredibly funny. Dave was a life long Royals fan, a pretty decent pool player and a lover of democracy and whiskey, which often went hand in hand. Dave was an avid reader with the desire to learn and stay current, although he would be the first to say he knew a little about a lot of things but not a lot about anything. There was such an ease to being in Dave’s presence and the world feels a little smaller not having him in it.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Karen and his father, Donald. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, his mother, brother, two sisters, the KC theatre community and his best friend and son, Jack.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a GoFundMe set up for Jack.
A wonderful tribute to David. He was an amazing son, father, brother, friend and relative!
My heart ? breaks for not being well enough to come to his Celebration Service.
Love ? and prayers ? to all the family, especially his Mother.
Ruthie ?
Dave was such a special person in my life. I was lucky to be in his orbit for a small period of time. So kind, genuine, funny, smart and caring. Sending love and condolences to his family and dear friends. Hard to fathom his passing; but grateful for having known him.
Love,
Susan Krobot Smith
I could go on endlessly about the wonderful qualities that David possessed. I’m so fortunate that he was a big part of my life when he first moved back to KC. My heart goes out to all his family and especially Jack. The world is not near as bright without him in oh so many ways.
Nadine and family,
I did not know David but Nadine was a blessing in my life so I want to share my sympathies and love especially with her.
Anita Youngblood
My thoughts and prayers are with his Mother, Nadine, his son, family and friends. I’ve known his Mom for many years, and I think he and I went to the same Elementary School, however I never had the pleasure of meeting him. I did see him in a performance at UMKC and he was a very talented Actor. I pray the Lord will be with his loved ones in this Season of Grieving.
Praying the Lord’s comfort and hope for David’s mom, my dear friend Nadine and for his son Jack and all his family and theater friends?
I had seen him in many plays with my son Rusty and he was so talented! Know he was much loved??
Holding my cousins and dear Aunt in my heart and prayers. This one really hurts! I’m waiting to hug you on Monday!! Love you dearly, Danna