Lauren Clark Fletcher

He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific fleet aboard the battleships Maryland and Arizona. He achieved the rank of Machinist Mate. He retired from The Fresno Bee in 1977 and was Country Circulation Manager at that time.

He started his career at The Bee as a Motor Route Dealer in April 1939. He moved to the Madera Dealership in 1940, and in 1956 joined the Circulation Department as a District Manager. In 1962 Lauren assumed the responsibilities of Country Supervisor and was appointed Country Circulation Manager in 1972. While he lived in Madera he was an active member of the Lions Club.

Lauren was preceded in death by five brothers, Floyd, Willis, John, Don and Robert; and two sisters, Verona Ray and Ruth Tolladay.

He leaves his wife Mildred Towry Fletcher and three children, Virginia L. Brobst of Dedham, Ma., James C. Fletcher of Fresno, and Laurie R. Darr of North Fork; two stepdaughters, Barbara Smith of Sunrise Beach, Mo. and Peggy S. Spurlin of Edmond, Ok.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A Viewing wil be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home on Monday, January 9, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.