- Date Of Birth: July 23, 1927
- Date Of Death: May 12, 2023
- State: Ohio
Edward Ray Fletcher was born on July 23, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio to Stanley F and Katherine R Fletcher and went home to his heavenly father on May 12, 2023, surrounded by his family.
He was a veteran serving in both the Army and then the Navy during WWII on the USS Shangri la before marrying the love of his life Sharon (Downing) August 9, 1950. They raised their family of 6 children in the rural Bowling Green/Weston area.
Ed founded Fletcher Machine Shop in 1962 and was involved until it sold in 2021. Although he retired at age 62, he continued to go to work 6 days a week until the age of 94. Ed loved his work, but his greatest compassion was spreading the gospel of Christ through his support of missions and travels. He impacted the countries of Nigeria, Uruguay, El Salvador and Mexico as well as his local churches of Dayspring, Sonlight and Calvary Assembly of God.
Ed was the proud father of his 6 surviving children, Barney (Joanna) Fletcher, Brenda (Jim) Hall, Brian Scott (Nancy) Fletcher, Beverly Brueshaber, Barbara (Jeff) Ludwig, and Beth Veller, 19 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren. Along with his loving wife of 72 years, Sharon, he is survived by 1 sister, Gloria Instone. He was proceeded in death by 1 sister, Ruth Brown, 1 brother Wayne Fletcher, Son-in-Law Jim Brueshaber, 2 grandchildren Thaddeus Fletcher, Anise Fletcher and 1 great grandson, Ashton Copeland.
Ed truly enjoyed life and filled it with humor, family, work, and love of God. He vowed to be a “happy old man” and kept his promise until the end.
Ed credits his accomplishments to God’s grace but his family believe that his hard work and determination was a part of it as well. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
