THOMAS L. FLETCHER, 57, of Churubusco, died on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at Parkview Hospital following a sudden illness. He had lived in Churubusco since 1969 and was a graduate of Churubusco High School with the class of 1972. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of Gilbert Davis Post of the American Legion, Churubusco. His passion was Busco High School Football, Indianapolis Colts and gambling. He worked as a sheet metal worker at Schust Engineering, Fort Wayne for 25 years. Born Nov. 23, 1952, in Fort Wayne, he was a son of Jasper S. "Pete" and Mary T. (Gadomski) Fletcher.

He is survived by his mother, Mary T. Fletcher of Churubusco; five daughters, Tonya O'Brien of Fort Wayne, Tracey Bultemeier of Churubusco, Shane (Mitch) Miller of Huntertown, Stacy Simons of Churubusco, and Crystal (Daniel) Wilson of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Gerald "Jerry" (Christin) Fletcher Fort Wayne and Danny (Donna) Fletcher of Albion; four sisters, Cindy Fletcher and Cathy (Ralph) Oberholtzer, both of Churubusco, Dee Dee Fletcher of Avilla, and Missy Fletcher of Florida; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jasper.

Funeral services noon Sunday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, with calling one hour prior. Pastor Larry Smith officiating. The family will also receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow service in Eel River Cemetery, with full military rites. Memorials may be directed to the Churubusco Community Park or Turtle Days. Envelops will be available in the funeral home. News-Sentinel, The (Fort Wayne, IN) - January 15, 2010