Gene Richard Fletcher

Gene Richard Fletcher, 88, fondly known as the ‘Cruise Director’ to his family, entered eternal life on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Bedford Colonial Courtyard.  He was born on August 28, 1927 in Brookville, MO, a son of the late William S. Fletcher and Josephine (Rouse) Fletcher-Young.  In 1948 he married Shirley (Burkhart) Fletcher, and this year they celebrated 66 years together.  In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter, Valerie J. wife of Michael R. Taylor, of Bedford, a grandson, C. Kyle Taylor and wife Deasy, of Seattle, WA; and a sister Geraldine F. Howard, wife of William, of Poplar Bluff, MO.  He was preceded in death by a son, Michael B. Fletcher, and a grandson, Corey M. Taylor.

Gene and his sister grew up during the hard times of the Great Depression.  He graduated from Kirksville High School, where he played trumpet in the school’s big band.  A member of the local Boy Scout Troop, he was the youngest Eagle Scout in the state of Missouri.  He went on to enlist in the US Coast Guard, as a Fireman First Class on the USS Greensboro, stationed in New York Harbor, celebrating the end of WWII onboard.  After an honorable discharge, he attended Coe College, in Cedar Rapids, IA, and graduated with a BA in Physics.  Gene was then employed by Lockheed Martin, and worked on the space shuttle exterior tank in Orlando, FL, and New Orleans, LA.  He loved to travel and once took a three month cruise around the world.  Gene was an experienced oil painter winning several ribbons, and enjoyed watching the Florida State football team, and the St. Louis Cardinal’s.  The family would like to thank their friends and staff at: Luther Ridge Retirement Community in Chambersburg, Bedford Colonial Courtyard, Franklin County Art Alliance, in Chambersburg, Homewood at Springhouse Estates, in Everett, Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, in Gettysburg, and Mt. Pleasant United Brethren Church, in Chambersburg.  He will be remembered for his strong faith in God, and as a loving husband and father.  He was always full of joy, and loved a good travel adventure.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Lay Minister Jim Miller officiating.  Friends will be received on Friday from 10:00 a.m., until the hour of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make memorial contributions to: Boy Scout Troop 4481, 132 East John Street, Bedford, PA 15522.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com