Donald E. Fletcher, 88

LACONIA — Donald Edwin Fletcher, 88, of Laconia passed on to join his much beloved wife, Peggy, April 23, 2017, on the day of their wedding anniversary.

Donald was born Dec. 9, 1928, in Melrose, Massachusetts, the only child of Donald and Helen (Cady) Fletcher.

He was educated at New England College and pursued a career in teaching and school administration throughout New England.

He settled permanently in Laconia during the 1970s where he met his second wife, Margaret “Peggy” Woodman, whom he married in 1983.

Donald loved his country, having proudly served as a Marine from 1946-48 and again during 1950-51. He was a member of the Laconia American Legion and an ardent supporter of veterans causes. He was also a very proud and active Life Member of Laconia Elks Lodge 876, where he served as secretary for many years. Don built a foundation of faith at the United Baptist Church of Lakeport as an active member for more than 35 years.

He was predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Margaret (Woodman) Fletcher, who died in 2015.

He leaves behind nine children, Linda Martin of Wolcott, Vermont; David Fletcher of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; Martha Sepulveda of Wolcott, Vermont; Peter Fletcher of Morrisville, Vermont; Janice Fletcher-Yarson of Milford, Connecticut; Donna Kay of Belton, South Carolina; Deborah Phillips of West Haven, Connecticut; Andrew Fletcher of Waterbury, Connecticut; and Nancy DeVivo of Belmont. Donald also leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 5, at 1 p.m. at the United Baptist Church, Lakeport, with a reception following. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery, Route 3, Boscawen.

Donald loved the forests of New Hampshire and asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his name to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, 54 Portsmouth St., Concord, NH 03301, or to the United Baptist Church, Lakeport.