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. For almost 30 years he founded, funded and solely operated Midway Correspondence, creating Christian literature that he distributed to prisoners free of charge. He was also able to impact people throughout his lifetime but always wanted to do more.
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. In remembrance of Ed, who believed that close family matters, please reach out to a loved one, be there when needed, show forgiveness, love and understanding.
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.
Should you wish to make a donation in Ed’s honor, please consider a gift to Sonlight Assembly of God or Dayspring Assembly of God building program.
Visitation for Ed will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, 1460 W. Wooster Street, Bowling Green, Ohio. Ed’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:00 am at Sonlight Church 19920 Sand Ridge Rd, Weston, OH. A Committal Service with Military Honors rendered by the Wood County Honor Guared will immediately follow at Weston Cemetery.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
