Forrest Fleming

FORREST FLEMING Forrest Fleming was born May 3, 1922. He was raised in Friant, CA, on the Fleming Bros. Sunset Valley Ranch. He attended the local schools and graduated in 1939 from Clovis High School. In 1942, he went to work for the United States Forest Service in North Fork, CA, as a forest guard doing timber surveying, fire prevention and suppression and supervisor of fire fighting crews. He always appreciated the years he worked as a forest guard and the time he was able to spend in the beautiful Sierra forests. In December, 1943 he married his beloved wife, Wilma, at the Lemoore Airfield. In February 1943, he began his service in the Army Air Force during WWII. He was 1st Lt. and pilot with the 37th Troop Carrier Group in the South Pacific Area, flying both troops and supplies to combat areas in the C45 and C47 craft. He was thoroughly familiar with the engine instruments, meterology, instrument flying and ground maintenance and inspection of aircraft. He had knowledge of airway control flying and C.A.A. regulations in the United States. After completing his service he went to work for the FAA at the Oakland Air Traffic Control Center in Fremont, CA, as an Air Traffic Controller/Flow Controller, retiring in 1973 with 30 years of government service. After raising their six children, Forrest and his wife, returned to the family homestead/ranch in Friant, CA, where he has been a cattle rancher for the past 30 years. Forrest was an avid fisherman, backpacker, deer hunter and camper. He enjoyed the out-of-doors, gardening, painting, and photography. He is remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grand- father, brother and friend. A Funeral Service will be held at Clovis Funeral Chapel, on Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at 10:00 A.M. CLOVIS FUNERAL CHAPEL1302 Clovis Av Clovis 298-7536