Frank FANCHER Obituary

Frank "Lindy" Fancher

MARIETTA, GA- Frank "Lindy" Fancher, 95, formerly of Lincoln, Ill., passed away at 6:40 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2014, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Marietta, Ga.

Frank was born May 19, 1919, in Hart County, Ky., son of Benjamin Franklin and Mattie L. Perkins Fancher. He was united in marriage with the love of his life, Vada G. Compton, on Feb. 19, 1949, in Lincoln, Ill., until she preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2002.

Surviving Frank are his two daughters, Ara (Rich) Croce of Half Moon Bay, Calif., and Marianne Daughety, of Bethlehem, Ga.; his son, James "Jim" (Lori) Fancher of Milton, Ga.; five granddaughters; five grandsons; 17 great-grandchildren; and, two brothers, Dean (Ellen) and Dale (Ollie) Fancher.

His parents and one sister, Irene Lancaster, preceded him in death.

Frank enlisted in the 106 Calvary IL National Guard which entered federal service on Nov. 25, 1940. He served in the American Theater of Operations in Central and South America that included a significant covert operation for the FBI. During WWII, Frank landed in Europe on D-Day + 3, helped liberate Paris and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received a Silver Star for gallantry in action and a Battle Field Commission to 2nd Lieutenant in Luxembourg as bestowed by Gen. George Patton, whom he served under at the time, and who referred to him as "mad dog". While in Paris recovering from wounds, he conducted operations for the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). Memberships incl: the National Order of Battlefield Commissions, Military Order of the Ardens, Yugoslav War Cross, and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

After WWII, Frank served as a civilian pilot, Captain Operation Officer in Lincoln Sq. Civil Air Patrol (Search and Rescue). Civic organizations include: VFW; American Legion Post 263 & 201; Lincoln Recreation Dept. Photography Club; President, Officer and Director of Lincoln Ski Club; longtime member Tri-Police Assoc. – Illinois Sheriffs Assoc.; Experimental Aircraft Assoc. Ch. 129; longtime Director, Past President and VP of "Heritage in Flight Museum."

Frank retired from Lincoln Office Supply with a distinguished service award and was an attendee of Lincoln Christian Church. Later in life Frank authored and wrote his autobiography, "WWII: Through These Eyes"; and, up into the last year of his life, he continued volunteering his time in the nearby schools to teach young people about WWII and freedom.

Services for Frank will be 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Lincoln Christian Church with Tim Searby officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to an organization he loved: The Heritage in Flight Museum, 1351 Airport, Lincoln, IL 62656; 217-732-3333.

Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln has been entrusted with local arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lincoln Courier from Dec. 31, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank FANCHER

6 Entries

Marianne Daughety

January 2, 2015

Lindy is my father, my hero and though I am unable to be at his funeral I love him very much. One of my most special memories is seeing how tenderly he cared for Vada when she was ill. It taught me how a man is supposed to love his wife and what a wonderful example they were. Dad and his love for me is a very precious gift to my life. I wish I could have told him "I love you" one more time.

bill and bev lawrence

January 2, 2015

sorry for your loss. we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers

Candice Hunter

January 2, 2015

Lindy knew my father They enjoyed there company. A good friend of my Dad. He will be miss. Never miss his smile and saying hello while running into him.

Nancy Ingram,Keal

December 31, 2014

I met Lindy in the early 1950's.
My mother MaryJane Walters,Ingram,
Prather and I both worked at the Tiz
Rite truck-stop, Rts 10&66, known as the "4 corners." Lindy serviced the jukebox with the latest new tunes of the era. He was so cheerful and fun, he sometimes brought Vada with him,and we always enjoyed their visits. It was a privilege to know them.
Lindy inspired my mother's interest in taking flying lessons, until she hit her first air pocket, and that changed her mind to become a lifelong motor- cycle rider, she's now 96 years old.

Jeff Starks

December 31, 2014

What a great man, husband and father. I've known Mr. Fancher since 1975 and he has always been an inspiration. He was the best from the greatest generation. He will be missed but never forgotten for the service to his country and, most importantly, as a great husband and father. Heaven has a new guard at the gate

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