Arthur "Art" Fancher

FANCHER, Arthur “Art”, 80, of Temple Terrace, passed away at home, Wednesday, October 5, 2016 surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family. Art was born August 16, 1936 in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Clayton and Emma Fancher. A multi-faceted individual, Art graduated from Pittsfield High, was a veteran of the US Air Force, an accomplished horseman and a cowboy at heart, rarely seen without his cowboy boots. He owned and managed a 22 acre cattle ranch while simultaneously building his widely respected Fancher Electric company. While in the Air Force, he was a combat of measures instructor, but was also schooled in the martial arts, becoming a member of the USAF Judo team for 8 years winning numerous competitions around the world. He achieved the level of 4th degree Black Belt in Judo and co-founded the Florida School of Judo, training many youngsters in the martial arts for over 20 years. After retiring as an electrician, he served on the Temple Terrace Electrical Board for 15 years. However, the greatest work of his life was the legacy of love and family he created. He was a tower of a man, unendingly kind, universally respected, a dedicated husband, father, and a doting grandparent. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Bobbie Wanzor and Linda Simons. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Alma Fancher; one brother, Clayton “Bud” (Brenda) Fancher; three sons, Randy and Arthur Fancher and Leonard (Jennifer) Postlewait; four daughters, Denise (Dan) Payne, Julie Chandler, Jackie (Bill) Lais and Kristina (Alan) Hoeksema; fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with a fourth expected soon. A Celebration of Art’s Life will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Original Carrollwood Recreation Center, 3515 McFarland Rd., Tampa, Florida 33618, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Interment with Military honors will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.