Erin Michael Fitzmorris, age 39, of Parsons, tragically passed away on Friday, November 26, in Dallas, Texas after battling with mental health, alcohol & substance issues for a number of years. He was born May 25, 1982 in Parsons, Kansas to Gretchen (Wheelan) Depue and Mike Fitzmorris. He graduated from Parsons High School in 2000. He attended Labette Community College for Commercial Music and spent time living in Parsons, Joplin, Lawrence, Las Vegas and Miami.  Music was his passion, and at 10 years old he traded his violin for a guitar and started taking lessons from his father.

Erin became a professional musician and found work as a guitar teacher, and a studio, gigging and busking musician.  He also donated much of his musical talent to friends, family & local charitable causes.  Erin toured with several bands including The Fitz Band, Travis Condon, To a Lunar Reunion, 88er, and Erakanaren.  He also worked with adults with disabilities at Class Ltd, and as a puppeteer for the Astral Valley Gypsies.  Erin's hobbies included drawing, cooking, reading Stephen King novels, and keeping the company of the nearest cat.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends who fondly called him "Fitz".

Erin is survived by his best friend and younger brother, Eric and his wife, Jill Fitzmorris of Lawrence, KS & their children, Brenya, Ridley, Cambria & Fiona, who Erin spent years living with & playing music with.  Erin is also survived by his only biological child, who he loved very much, Lily Ann Clark of Webb City, MO. Erin is also survived by his mother & stepfather, Gretchen & Jim Depue of Savannah, MO, his grandma, Pat of Joplin, MO & his sister, Susan Perry & her family of Oklahoma. Erin is also survived by many cousins, nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles on his Fitzmorris & Wheelan sides. Erin also spent time living with his cousin, Jessica Thomas and close friends, Harris Roit and Marvin Foreman. Erin was preceded in death by his father, Mike Fitzmorris.

Erin was loved by us & so many others. We would like to remember the good memories during this time of heartbreak. We are blessed to have so many who have already shown their love and support for Erin & our family. Memorials are welcome to help with final arrangements to Eric Fitzmorris via Erin's GoFundMe https://gofund.me/492373ed

Lastly, we wanted to share some lyrics from a song Erin often played called "Highwayman" by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson & Waylon Jennings

"I'll fly a starship across the universe divide

And when I reach the other side

I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can

Perhaps I may become a highwayman again

Or I may simply be a single drop of rain

But I will remain

And I'll be back again and again and again

And again and again and again"