Rev. Dr. Gilbert T. Fletcher's Obituary
Reverend Doctor Gilbert Thomas Fletcher, 90, went to be with Jesus on March 25, 2025.
He was the son of Nathan & Zelma (Taylor) Fletcher. After graduating from High School in Bath, IL, in 1952, he worked at Peoria Caterpillar before joining the Navy where he served as a welder. While at boot camp, he was asked to be the Chaplain for his platoon foreshadowing his calling to be a minister.
With 6 months left on his enlistment, he married Rose Mary Hall on December 23, 1955. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gilbert and Rose Mary returned to Bath and Gilbert went back to work at Caterpillar as a welder. He worked there for 8 years until he was called to spread God`s Word as a Methodist minister. He attended Hannibal-LaGrange College, Quincy University, Illinois State University, and seminary in Naperville. He received his Doctorate degree in theology from Drew University in New Jersey in 1984.
His first church was in New Canton in 1963 followed by appointments in Cornell, Mattoon, Barry, Forsyth, Streator, and El Paso. He also worked 3 years at the Sunset Senior Living Center in Quincy as a Public Relations representative and a chaplain. He retired in 1996 but enjoyed being around people so he served at the Walmart in Long Creek as a door greeter from 2003 until 2009. Gilbert was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish as well as spend time with family and friends. Gilbert remained faithful to his calling and continued saving souls into his later years.
Gilbert and Rose Mary have two daughters, Lynne Renea Salter from Decatur, IL and Cheryl Denise Budde (Daniel) from Trion, GA. Their grandchildren are Camisha Lee Salter from Decatur IL, Nathaniel Jerome Budde (Kimberly) from Carrollton GA, and Michael Thomas Budde (Andrea) from Dallas GA. Two grandsons and one great granddaughter preceded him in death.
A visitation will be held at Grace Methodist Church in Decatur on Friday, March 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service at Snicarte Cemetery in Snicarte, IL on Saturday, March 29th, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch served afterwards.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Gilbert to Grace Methodist Church in Decatur, IL or Fair Havens Senior Living Center in Decatur, IL.
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