Charles F. Fletcher Jr.'s Obituary
The Obituary of Charles Francis Fletcher Jr.
09/18/1933 – 04/10/2024 – 90 years young
Charles was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, September 18, 1933, to Charles Francis Fletcher Sr. and Bertha Dewitt Fletcher. His Grandparents were Uriah DeWitt and Emma O’Neal of Verda, Louisiana and Mike Fletcher and Emma Hanifan of Petrolia, Ontario Canada. Charles has one sibling, Vonda Fletcher Strong of Keithville, Louisiana. He spent his early years in El Centro Colombia, South America where his father was employed by Standard Oil Company. The remainder of his school years were spent in Grant Parish, Verda, Louisiana.
After a brief stint at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana, he joined the Navy; telling the recruiter he desired all the education in Electronics the Navy offered. He spent his early Navy career working with computer systems. He worked for the NSA (National Security Agency) in the Navy and later as a private citizen. During his years with the NSA, he worked in the Top Security Division that monitored communications from various foreign countries.
He grew his career in the private sector working in computer engineering advancing to District and Regional Manager roles. One of his most beloved projects was the manned space program for NASA. He and his team were responsible for all computer functions. He then worked over 16 years for Control Data Solutions and Verizon overseeing the computer systems at Dallas Ft. Worth National Airport before retiring, the first time. He started a second chapter in his work life repairing equipment for dental labs and offices. He retired again in 2016.
At each stage of his career, he advanced his education in Electronic Engineering through seminars and training courses. While working for the NSA he took an equivalency exam advancing from Technical Level, Grade 7 to Engineering Level, Grade 9. This equated to a Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering at the University Level.
Charles accepted Christ and was baptized as a young boy in the Baptist Church. He served the Baptist church throughout his life as a Deacon and held various officer roles. He was an active member of the church his entire adult life; attending regularly with his wife and family. He was a strong influence for God and led his entire family to embrace Christianity.
Charles began square dancing and round dancing as a way to enjoy time with his wife. This became a lifelong activity they both enjoyed finding many strong friendships along the way. He served as president of their square dance club sharing his leadership and guidance with his fellow members.
Charles earned his pilot’s license early in his work career and would eventually commute via his single engine plane from his family home in Louisiana to Minneapolis where he worked as a Regional Manager for Control Data. Many times he would also fly the family in his plane!
Charles loved the outdoors and would take his family on annual adventures to instill his love for the outdoors in his children as well. This continued throughout his entire life with the growing family including children, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Charles and his wife, Janice were avid travelers. They explored all 50 of the United States and over 30 countries worldwide. For their 50th anniversary he took the entire family on a multi-week Mediterranean cruise to celebrate as a family.
Charles married Nora Janice McManus of Verda, Louisiana on December 17, 1955. Their extraordinary marriage lasted 69 years, always proclaiming they were each other’s best friend.
Charles is survived by his wife, Janice, his sister Vonda and his three children Juliana, Amber Gaye and Jennifer Kate. He also has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Services:
Location: Leonard Baptist Church, 100 East Thomas Street, Leonard, Texas 75452 Phone: 903-587-2250
Friday, 4/19/24 Visitation: 10am – 11am, Memorial Service: 11am-11:30am, Graveside: 11:45am
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