Dale grew up on the east side of Ft. Worth graduating from Handley High School in 1956. He is survived by his wife of 63 years (and high school sweetheart) Gail Clowdus Fletcher, daughter Lori Street (and son-in-law Gary Street) of Arlington, TX, son Jon Fletcher (and daughter-in-law Danna Fletcher) of Austin, TX. Grandchildren are Ryan Street (and wife Nicole Street) of Arlington, and Avery and Preston Fletcher of Austin.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Dally and Detheda Fletcher; brother, Larry Fletcher, and son, Greg Fletcher.
Dale often referred to himself as “The Champ”. We are not sure if he invented “trash talking”, but he perfected his craft---often over a ping-pong match or a game of Chinese Checkers. With older brother Larry leading the way, “Baby Dale” learned at a young age how to be tough and compete. He claimed to be the 1st high school football player in Texas to wear a face mask---a homemade plexiglass shield---after getting his teeth knocked out and refusing to miss the next game. He was a champion Golden Gloves boxer. He encouraged competition and wanted to beat his adversary at THEIR BEST. He carried that fighting spirit up until final seconds of his life.
While he was at Handley High School, he and his buddies formed the “Errorless Eight”. Somehow, I suspect these 8 found themselves in a bit of mischief from time-to-time. These loyal friends maintained a life-long bond that formed the nucleus of the Mon-Tues McDonalds coffee club that they named “The Old” Hounds -a reference to their Handley High Mascot---the Greyhound.
He proudly served his country as a Navy sailor on the U.S.S. Orleck. He studied at the University of Texas at Arlington and spent his entire 4-decade career selling trucks in Ft. Worth for International Harvester, which later become Southwest International Navistar.
Dale was loved by his family and friends. He taught youth Sunday School, and often volunteered to help coach the neighborhood team whenever needed. Weekly trips to “The Farm” and to Mama Theda’s houses were full of laughter, games, and some great dinner table conversations.
He believed in rooting for the HOME TEAM. Yet as a lifelong fan of the Cowboys, Rangers, and Horned Frogs, he saved his strongest rooting for his kids and grandkids. He would travel anywhere to watch them compete and would always arrive early and plant his lawn chair near the dugout as if he had permanent RESERVED seating. He is undoubtedly sitting in that chair next to Jesus, listening to country gospel music, and watching the game of the week.
A visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 2:00 at Shannon Rose Hill on 7301 East Lancaster in Ft. Worth.
A Memorial service will be held Monday, September 20, 2021 at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel at 12:30 and the burial service will be held at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 1219 North Davis Blvd, Arlington, TX.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Denton Bible Church Missions c/o Russ Clowdus or First Baptist Church of Hurst.
