Early life Laurence FitzSimon was born on January 31, 1895, in
San Antonio, Texas, to John and Theodora (née Okelmann) FitzSimon. His family moved to
Castroville, Texas, the following year. In 1916, bad health forced FitzSimon to return to Texas. After recuperating, FitzSimon enlisted in the
United States Navy. He served as a
pharmacist's mate on a
minesweeper during
World War I. After his ordination, the archdiocese assigned FitzSimon to the faculty of St. John's Seminary in San Antonio. In 1926, he left St. John's to serve as pastor of a parish in
Runge, Texas. FitzSimon was a chronicler of the history of Catholicism in Texas, gathering historical material on its bishops and clerics during trips to Rome and France. In 1951, Cardinal
Pierre-Marie Gerlier awarded FitzSimon the title of ''Chanoine d'Honneur
de la Primatiale (Canon of Honor of the Primate)'' in recognition of his scholarship.FitzSimon suffered a
stroke in 1954, but was able to continue his work as bishop.
Death and legacy Laurence FitzSimon died on July 2, 1958, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Amarillo at age 63. He is buried in
Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. ==References==