Read Philip L. Fletcher's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Philip L. Fletcher

Keene, NH

December 14, 1937 - June 2, 2021

Dec 14, 1937 - Jun 2, 2021

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to American Cancer Society.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Philip L. Fletcher, 83, of Keene, NH, peacefully passed away on June 2, 2021, with his wife and daughter at his side.

Phil was born on December 14, 1937, to Gerald and Evelyn (Beteau) Fletcher in Keene. He attended Keene schools and received a GED. During his childhood, he enjoyed fishing with his brothers in area streams and ponds.

Phil was a self-taught musician, learning to play guitar by ear by his mid-teens. He worked for a local farmer plowing fields to save enough money for his first guitar, which he bought from Sears and Roebuck. By age 20, he had learned to play the 5-string banjo, mandolin, and fiddle, as well. He went on to join the Pioneer Valley Gang, working with well-known musicians Vernon "Whitey" Carrier, Ramona Carrier, Rocky Carroll, and Don Richard. The group performed on WKNE radio in Keene on Saturday afternoons. Later in the 1950s, he also performed on Manchester NH's Channel 9 with Clyde Joy. His love of music and his innate talent allowed him to travel and meet many more musicians over his lifetime, attending festivals, performing concerts, and hosting "jam sessions" for family and friends alike. His younger brother, Pete, learned to play the guitar from Phil. Pete was part of The Westernaires, a country-western band formed by Phil to honor the traditional music of Bob Wills, Gene Autry, and Ernest Tubb. Members of the band also included Rich Sullivan, Ron Banks, Betsydawn Williams, and Rose Sinclair.

In 1961, Phil met Wilma Vorce on a blind date. Phil and Wilma were married on March 10, 1962, and went on to have two children, Brent and Amy. They lived in Westmoreland, NH for 41 years before moving back to Keene. Phil and Wilma enjoyed 59 years of love, happiness, and laughter.

Phil was predeceased by his son, Brent; his brothers Crosley, Dean, and Gary; and his sisters, Elaine and Sandra. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, and daughter, Amy, both of Keene, NH; his brothers, Clinton "Pete" Fletcher of Keene, NH, Ronald Fletcher of Laconia, NH, Kent Fletcher of Espanola, NM; and his sister, Sonia Hanson of Ottumwa, IA. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Phil touched hundreds of lives with his music and his knowledge of the country-western genre. His friends and family often mentioned that he was a "walking encyclopedia". He became a mentor and friend to nearly everyone he met, and his passion for music was infectious.

Please share your memories, photos, videos, and other remembrances on this page to keep Phil's memory alive.

There are no public services. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Home Healthcare, Hospice, and Community Services in Phil's memory. https://www.hcsservices.org/g…

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a gift to American Cancer Society.

$25.00

Raised by 1 person

Learn more & give