Stephen Fletcher

Stephen Fletcher

Age 81, of Minerva, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was born July 14, 1944 in Mt. Vernon to Ralph and Patricia (Moore) Fletcher. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, which then became Penn Central, and ultimately Conrail, where he retired after 34 years. Here, he spent many years on the safety committee and earned his EMT and CPR certifications. Using this, he taught many CPR classes at different Conrail locations, as well as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Stephen was an active member at St. Paul’s. Alongside his beloved wife, Donna, they were involved in Lutheran marriage encounter, as well as Aid Association for Lutherans (now known as Thrivent). Stephen loved his church family immensely. In his younger days, he served on church council, property committee, taught Bethel Bible Series, 6th grade catechism, and sang in the choir. He also played an instrumental role in establishing the Lutheran Church Minerva Community Outreach Food Pantry, alongside his two good friends, Vic Kidder and Dave Porter. He dedicated many hours to applying for grants, ordering and picking up food, and helping with distribution in a community where he saw need. He was particularly proud to say at the time it was the first food distribution in Minerva where people could drive right up and have food put into their vehicle, without having to step out of the car. Stephen played an active role in his community and always wanted to provide a helping hand when he could. He started the Minerva High School Choir Parents Association where he served as the first president. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He also found great joy in the simple things in life such as woodworking, gardening, canning, cooking and making the world’s best pancakes, writing, collecting fossils and railroad memorabilia and spending time with family. One of his favorite ways of spending time with family was camping. First with his children, then his grandchildren, and later his great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling greatly to see as much of God’s creation as possible. Stephen was a family man and an man of God always on the go. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Donna (Lucas) Fletcher, 2 daughters, Laura Exline of Minerva, Haley (Nicholas) Mckinney of Waynesburg, 5 grandchildren, Macy Fletcher of Canton, Eleni (Ricker) Calderone of FL, Warren (Samantha) Fletcher of FL, Abagayle Exline of Minerva, Alyse Exline of Minerva, 8 great grandchildren, MJ Humphrey, Carter, Cayden, Christian, Carsyn, Clarice and Camryn Mckinney, Layla Clark, Bjorn Bear Fletcher, daughter-in-law, Audra Fletcher, 3 brothers, John (Marcia) Fletcher of Butler, Jeffrey Fletcher of Fredricktown, Chris (Althea) Fletcher of Howard, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dale and Jan Lucas of Columbus, Arthea Lucas of Canton, Diane and Ralph Clark of Beloit and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by 2 sons, Troy and Craig Fletcher, grandson, Josh Knowlton, great grandson, Kiernan Calderone, brothers and sisters-in-law, Gordon and Louise Fletcher, Patrick Fletcher, Lois Fletcher and Dan Lucas.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 9th at 2:00 pm in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minerva with Rev. Bob Linsz officiating.  Calling hours will be 2 hours prior to services from noon to 2 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lutheran Church Community Outreach Food Pantry. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.