On Friday, November 15, 2024, the community of Oxford, Indiana, was struck by the heartbreaking news of the passing of David Joshua Fitch, a beloved eighth-grade student at Benton Central Junior High School. Born on August 25, 2010, in Lafayette, Indiana, to parents Christopher David Fitch and Kimberly Jo Newnum Fitch, David grew up in a close-knit family that fostered his love for sports, faith, and the great outdoors. His sudden passing has left a deep void, not only in the lives of his family but also among his classmates, teachers, and the broader Benton County community who knew and cherished him.
David’s family and friends remember him as a vibrant and kind-hearted young boy who was known for his unbreakable spirit, love for athletics, and dedication to his family and faith. David was baptized on August 25, 2013, at the Oxford United Methodist Church, where he actively participated in church events and cherished the values instilled in him. The Fitch family, his church, and the Oxford community recall David’s warm smile and the gentle joy he brought to every gathering and activity he attended.
David was raised in Oxford with his siblings, Emily and Nathan, who shared his infectious love for life. Along with his parents, David’s family includes his sister Emily Fitch and his brother Nathan Fitch, all of whom are deeply mourning the loss of their young loved one. David’s grandparents, Sandy and David Meadows of Milligan, Pat Conner of Clinton, and Patty Fitch of Fairview, were a large part of his life and helped guide him in his personal and spiritual journey. David’s aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins also shared cherished moments with him, creating lasting memories of family gatherings, outdoor activities, and community celebrations.
A Bright Student with a Passion for Sports and the Outdoors
At Benton Central Junior High School, David was well-regarded as a student with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Teachers and peers recall his enthusiasm in the classroom and his dedication to his studies. David’s teachers remember him not only for his academic abilities but also for his kindness and respect towards others. Beyond the classroom, David’s passion was for athletics. A natural athlete, David excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, soccer, golf, football, and track. His classmates and teammates admired his sportsmanship, and his coaches often praised him for his commitment and hard work.
David’s love for the Chicago Cubs reflected his strong spirit and his enthusiasm for life. Whether he was watching a Cubs game or practicing with his teammates, David’s passion for sports was evident to all who knew him. Friends and family recount stories of David’s games, his unwavering loyalty to his team, and his sportsmanship on and off the field. He brought an inspiring level of energy and excitement to every sport he played, always aiming to do his best and lift up those around him.
A Heartfelt Tribute from the Benton Central Junior High School and Oxford United Methodist Church
In the wake of David’s passing, Benton Central Junior High School issued a heartfelt message to its students and staff, sharing in the grief felt by the community and offering support for those affected by the loss. The school organized counseling sessions for students who needed someone to talk to as they processed the tragedy. The school’s administrators, teachers, and students came together to honor David’s memory, recalling his kindness, empathy, and unwavering friendship.
David’s church, the Oxford United Methodist Church, also offered its condolences, with Pastor Steve Crum offering words of comfort to the grieving family and community. The church, where David had been baptized and actively participated, plans to hold a service in his honor, paying tribute to a young soul who brought joy to everyone around him. David’s church family remembers him as a devoted and kind member who exemplified Christian values in his interactions with others.
Obituary and Funeral Arrangements for David Joshua Fitch
The Fitch family has announced that services for David will be held at the Gooch Funeral Home at 112 W. Howard Street, Rockville, on Wednesday, November 20, with Pastor Steve Crum officiating. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m., allowing family, friends, and community members to come together to remember and celebrate David’s life. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at the same location, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for those who knew David to pay their respects.
David will be laid to rest at Bethany Cemetery in Marshall, where family and friends will say their final goodbyes. The Fitch family has expressed their gratitude for the support and love shown by the Oxford community during this difficult time. In honor of David’s memory and his love for the outdoors, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Benton County Community Foundation, specifically directed to the Oxford Church Camp Fund, which can be reached at PO Box 351, Fowler, IN 47971, or online at bentoncf.org. These contributions will support future generations in enjoying the same outdoor experiences that brought David so much joy.
A Community in Mourning: Remembering the Bright Light of David Fitch
The news of David’s passing has reverberated throughout Benton County, where friends, classmates, teachers, and community members have shared heartfelt messages of condolence with the Fitch family. The Oxford United Methodist Church has seen an outpouring of support, with members coming together to honor David’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith.
David’s family recalls fondly the moments they shared with him – from family outings to church gatherings and sports events. His parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins remember David as a compassionate soul, always willing to lend a helping hand or share a kind word. He was deeply loved, and his passing has left an indescribable void in the lives of those who cherished him.
In the face of this tragedy, the Oxford community has come together in unity, reflecting on the impact David had on the lives of those around him. The Benton Central Junior High School’s counselors have provided resources for students and families coping with grief, encouraging open dialogue about the complex emotions that come with such a significant loss. The school has also created a small memorial for David, where students can leave notes, flowers, or small tokens in memory of their friend and classmate.
David Fitch’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones. His memory lives on through the stories shared by his family, friends, and community members, who all recall the bright young boy who brought laughter, warmth, and kindness into their lives. David will be remembered not only as a loving son, brother, and friend but as a young individual whose life, though tragically short, was filled with love, joy, and faith.
Moving Forward in Remembrance
As the community of Oxford continues to mourn David’s passing, his family has expressed their commitment to honoring his legacy by fostering the values he held dear: compassion, generosity, and love for the outdoors. Through memorial contributions to the Oxford Church Camp Fund, David’s love for nature and community will continue to inspire and benefit others for years to come. The Fitch family remains grateful for the support they have received from friends, neighbors, and church members during this painful time.
Though David is no longer with us, his spirit remains alive in the hearts of all who knew him. His life was a gift to the Oxford community, and his memory will serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, family, and community.
