Jack Fletcher

Jack Fletcher, 80, of East Alton, passed from this life at 12:05 AM on April 24th to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, Pat and other loving family members. During his two month battle with leukemia, his family spent precious time with him as he struggled to get well. Born at home in Roxana, IL on May 29, 1931, he was the only son of Horton and Mary Fletcher, who proceeded him in death. A graduate of Roxana High School in 1949, he completed three years at Southeast Missouri State College. He then served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Pat Grady, in 1953 in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was stationed. Their marriage was truly a match made in heaven and they were blessed with two wonderful children, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They celebrated 59 years of a loving marriage. Jack worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis as a supervisor in micro-electronics for 36 years before retiring in 1993. Jack had a great love for his church, the United Presbyterian Church of Wood River where he was a member for 54 years. He served his church well as an elder, trustee, and later with his new-found hobby, photography. Never one to say "no", he was active in many outreach activities of the church. He loved giving pictures to his church members, and with his computer, he delighted in designing special greeting cards for family and friends. Jack enjoyed life. He was happiest when doing things for family and others. But he also enjoyed gardening, his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, family cookouts, get-togethers with friends, attending theater productions, movies (especially westerns) and vacationing in Branson, MO. After coaching baseball with his son for years, he later took great pride in his two grandsons who excelled in football and wrestling and never missed a game or match. He also was a passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Rams. Jack touched many lives with his contagious smile, a firm handshake, or a warm hug. He had a great sense of humor, a sharp wit, a joyful laugh, an encouraging word, a compassionate heart, and a love for others that was evident in all that he did. He will be remembered with affection, for he was the ultimate genuine all-around "good guy". We carry his spirit forward hoping that we can measure up to his kind, generous, open heart. If he could have, he would have said "goodbye" and "thanks" to each person who touched his life. He loved us and we will all miss him. He left too soon, but we were blessed to have known him. His loving spirit lives on. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his two children, Cindy and (Jerry) Christeson; Drew Fletcher and his fiance Cindy Vandiver, grandchildren Jeremy and (Jill) Christeson, Jason and (Candace) Christeson and Wendy Fletcher. He also leaves great-grandchildren, Jenna and Claire, Brady and Briley Christeson. He also leaves several cousins. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the funeral home. Rev. Pam Laing will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton. Memorials are suggested to the Wood River United Presbyterian Church. Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Pitchford Funeral Home