Robert William Fitch, 79, of Mendota died Sept. 7, 2009, in his residence. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, with the Rev. Gale Brandner officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. today in the funeral home with Masonic services at 7 p.m. He was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Mendota to William and Helen (Pyszka) Fitch. He married Norma Wills on May 22, 1949, in Mendota. He was a 1947 graduate of Mendota High School. He was a bus driver for Mendota High School for more than 50 years and also drove a bus for charter bus companies. He was a grain and livestock farmer in the Mendota area before retiring. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, member and past grand master of Mendota Masonic Lodge, member and past president of Mendota Shrine Club and member of Mendota Funsters Clowns. He was known for playing Santa Claus at various events. He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Beth (Charles) Dana of Rockford; one son, Robert (Debra) Fitch of Rockford; two grandsons; one sister, Carol Schwingle of Mendota; one niece and one nephew. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter. Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children.