Funeral services for Gene Fletcher, 81 of Marshall will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday April 16, 2016 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven officiating. Interment will follow in Algoma Cemetery North. A time of visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday April 15, 2016 at Downs Funeral Home. Mr. Fletcher passed away April 12, 2016.

Gene Fletcher was born December 24, 1934 in Dangerfield, Texas to Jimmy Allen Fletcher and Myrtle Stanfield Fletcher. He worked for Lone Star Steel for 14 years and then later applied for DPS State Trooper. He graduated from 'A' school in 1969. He moved to Marshall in July of 1969 and worked for Harrison County throughout his career. Gene met his future wife in February of 1974 on Hwy 80 west on a chance traffic stop. They were later married on November 7, 1974 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Gene was a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as both a deacon and usher. He was also chairman of property committee for several years. He delivered meals on wheels from its inception until volunteers were no longer needed. Gene was a member of the Marshall Masonic Lodge #22 A.F. & A.M. and served as Worshipful Master from June of 1983 – June of 1984. Gene was a Christian man who believed in serving his fellow man. He always carried tools in his patrol car and would help stranded motorists whenever he could. His favorite words were courtesy, service and protection.

Surviving Gene are his wife of 41 years, Clair Fletcher of Marshall; sons, Keith Fletcher of Marshall and Curtis Fletcher and wife Brenda of Henderson; grandchildren, Eric Gene Fletcher and wife, Stephanie, Dennis Wayne Fletcher and wife, Dina, Brandon Fletcher and wife, Lauren, Darwin Fletcher and wife, Amanda, and Leslie Fears and husband, Robbie; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise Taylor of Dangerfield; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and his beloved dog, Roxie. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Allen Fletcher and sister, Ivy Mae Fletcher.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bud McCracken Jr., James McCracken, Rayford McCracken, Darwin Fletcher, Eric Fletcher, Dennis Fletcher, Brandon Fletcher and Joey Hudson. Honorary pallbearers will be all D.P.S. Troopers.