Thomas W. Fletcher

Dad's life, written through the eyes of his children ... Thomas W. Fletcher, 75, of Oakwood passed away suddenly at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at his home. He was born June 28, 1942, the son of Glen H. and Alma L. (Smith) Fletcher in Elmira, New York. He married his college sweetheart Susan K. Volle on August 31, 1963, in Elmhurst, Illinois. For 54 years these soulmates laughed, cried and made their way through life together. From this happy union came three children. Two sons, Darrin (Shelia); Randy (Michelle) and one daughter, Allison (John) Klint. Eight grandchildren, Casey, Koby, Preslie, Averie, Ella and Zane Fletcher; Katie and Joey Klint. The pride and appreciation Tom had for his children and grandchildren is without measure. His strength, character and humility will remain as his greatest legacy left to his family. Tom is also survived by three cherished siblings, Connie (Dean) Covington of Oakwood; Glenda (Randy) Carpenter of Danville; and Ken (Cindy) Fletcher of Foley, Alabama. Two special sister-in-laws, Elaine (Russ) Franz; and Lynn (Dan) Royse. One beloved aunt, Rita (Harry) Plotner, 12 nieces and nephews and nine first cousins and numerous other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Alma Fletcher and his in-laws, Paul and Carolyn Volle. The patriarch of one of the most noted professional baseball families in east central Illinois, Tom played in the Detroit Tigers organization as a southpaw pitcher, after earning All-American honors at the University of Illinois. Talking baseball, sharing his lived experiences on and off the playing field influenced numerous young players in the area for decades leading to successful careers. After his baseball career, Tom worked as safety supervisor at TeePak in Danville and later as activities supervisor at Danville Correctional Center. He retired in 2003. Baseball served as a way of life for Tom, but it was not a singular passion for him, as he loved tinkering around his country home for the past 45 years, building decks, crafting furniture and moving dirt for numerous flowering terraces and walkways. He also played golf every Tuesday with lifelong friends at courses throughout Vermilion County. Traveling across the country with his most treasured friend - his wife Sue - was a new found joy in retirement. He was a life member of Hebron United Methodist Church, Newtown. At his core, Tom loved his family and friends, while holding fast to a deep faith in Jesus Christ. He will be missed by scores of people throughout area. Friends will be received by the family on Monday, May 14th from 4-7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Funeral services will be at Sunset Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 15th at 10 a.m. Tom will be laid to rest at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Oakwood. Memorial donations may be given in his name to the University of Illinois baseball team. Please join Tom's family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Visitation May 14, 2018 Monday, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion st Danville, Il 61834 Service May 15, 2018 Tuesday, 10:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion st Danville, Il 61834 Final Resting Place Pleasant Grove Cemetery 1 1, 1 1

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