Edward Fletcher, M.D.

Colonel Edward Fletcher M.D., 85, of Inlet Beach, FL passed away peacefully at his home on November 27, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Manhattan, New York to Helen and Edward Fletcher, Edward was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, soldier, and physician.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his children's mother, Maria Carmen Fletcher, and two sons, Michael and Edward "Ted" Fletcher. He is survived by his wife Patricia Fletcher; his children, Christine Fletcher, Sharon Azanza, Dianne Waller and Brian Fletcher; his step-son Christopher Gallagher; twelve grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; his sister Maureen and his brothers Thomas, James and Joseph.

Dr Fletcher entered the United States Air Force enlisted ranks in 1960, serving 6 of his 8 active duty years as a construction surveyor in Viet Nam and Thailand. He left active service to pursue his undergraduate degree from the University of the Philippines and his medical degree from the University of the East. He graduated in 1980 and returned to the United States. After completing a Family Practice Residency at St Joseph's Medical Center, Yonkers, NY and Fellowship at Bronx Lebanon/Albert Einstein Medical Center, Bronx, NY, he established a successful private practice in Inwood, NY.

In 1983, he re-entered military service as a Commissioned Officer in the Army Reserve serving as Commander of the 309th Medical Detachment at Fort Totten. He was recalled to active duty for Operation Desert Storm in December 1990 and subsequently elected to remain on active duty.

His distinguished career included establishing the Army Health Clinic at U.S. Southern Command Headquarters in Miami, Florida. He served in this Joint Command until his final assignment as Chief of the Department of Primary Care for the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he retired as a Colonel in 2003.

During his military service he was honored with numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with "V" device and oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart.

In retirement, he served as the Covenant Hospice Medical Director in Fort Walton Beach, FL for ten years. His interests were diverse and extensive. He was an avid reader, loved to listen to and play music, especially the accordion, practiced archery and most recently enjoyed target practice with his Civil War pistol.

Edward Fletcher lived a full and honorable life and will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial Mass for Edward Fletcher will be held at St Rita’s Catholic Church, 22 St Rita Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 on Friday, January 23 at 11:30.