Gene Henderson Fletcher

Gene Henderson Fletcher passed peacefully on December 14, 2018 at Hansford Manor in Spearman, Texas at the age of 93. He was born on December 12, 1925 to Gay Henderson and Lillie Marie Fletcher on their farm north of Gruver, Texas. Gene was the second oldest of his five siblings – Phyllis, Joe Bill, Donnie, Bob, and Richie.

After graduating from Gruver High School in 1943, Gene joined the US Navy. Just before shipping out, he and his beloved bride-to-be, Mary Josephine Gross, eloped to Borger, Texas and married on February 16, 1944. Ten days later, Gene shipped out to boot camp and was stationed in Pearl Harbor through the end of World War II.

Upon returning from service, Gene spent his life farming in Hansford County. While sowing seeds of wheat, corn and milo were his livelihood, it was sowing seeds of God’s goodness that was his passion.

Gene accepted Christ as his savior on June 4, 1934 at a Monday night community revival service and never stopped sharing Jesus with others. Gene was a third generation member of First Baptist Gruver and he remained a member to that church his entire life. While there, he and Josephine served in various leadership roles, and Gene served as deacon for numerous years.

During their time at First Baptist Gruver, Gene and Josephine participated in numerous mission trips around the world, in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Mexico, Venezuela, and Canada. And while physical limitations hindered him from sowing physical seeds in the ground, he continued to sow spiritual seeds through his final days, sharing with whomever would listen that he was proud to be a Christ-follower.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Gay and Lillie Fletcher, wife Josephine Gross Fletcher, son David Fletcher, and siblings Phyllis Cutter and Joe Bill Fletcher. He is survived by three brothers, along with his daughter Kathy Gillispie and husband Bob of Gruver. He is called Granky by six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews that love him dearly.

Graveside services with military honors will be conducted Monday afternoon, December 17th, 1:00 PM at Gruver Cemetery.  Memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM at Gruver First Baptist Church, with Rev. Scott Curry, officiating.  Services are entrusted to Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon, Oklahoma.  

In lieu of floral gifts, memorial may be given to First Baptist Church Missions, P.O. Box 608, Gruver, TX  79040.  Friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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