Fletcher Lee Howard Jr. (Fletch), age 83, peacefully departed this life on October 12, 2026. Born on December 1, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, he was the beloved son of the late Fletcher and Jennie Howard.

He excelled in sports, especially basketball, fondly recalling his days playing at Waco Elementary in Canton while remaining a lifelong Buckeye State basketball enthusiast.

A proud graduate of McKinley High School, he maintained friendships forged during his time at Canton South High School, nurturing the bonds of camaraderie that lasted a lifetime.

An honorable veteran, Fletcher served in the United States Navy from September 1961 to September 1965, often reminiscing about his time at Great Lakes, Illinois, and the remarkable places he visited during his service, particularly his experiences in Japan.

This passion for adventure extended throughout his life, as he traveled to all seven continents, sharing stories of his visits to the Taj Mahal, the outdoor baths of India, and the wondrous penguins of Antarctica. His travels shaped his worldview, embracing diverse cultures and friendships without the bounds of race or background.

Fletcher was a faithful and devoted member of Southeast Church of Christ, having been baptized at an early age. His powerful baritone voice graced the congregation, particularly during his memorable lead solo of the acapella hymn "My God and I," the final verse echoing his enduring faith: “This earth will pass and with it common trifles, But God and I will go on endlessly.”

Fletcher committed over four decades to the Hoover Company, where he honed skills in machine maintenance. He later worked at Sam's Club to finance his travels, always looking ahead to new adventures.

Fletcher leaves a rich legacy of love and community, survived by his cherished son, Michael Roberts; his devoted sister and caregiver, Patricia Howard of Canton, Ohio; brothers Charles (Jackiee) of Gautier, Mississippi, and James of Dallas, Texas; sister-in-love Joan of Canton; Elaine of Charleston, South Carolina; and dear cousin Jim Motley (Joanne) of Canton.

Fletch is further survived by a multitude of cousins, a close-knit family spanning three generations of nieces and nephews, and countless friends who treasured their time with him.

Fletcher was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Jetty Mae Howard, Calvin Howard, and Leo Howard, who he now rejoins in eternal peace.

As we gather to honor Fletcher, we remember his zest for life, his unwavering kindness, and his passion for exploration. His legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those he inspired and loved.

The family invites the community to join them on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Southeast Church of Christ, 1424 Allen Ave SE, Canton at 10:00 AM public viewing. A funeral service, with military honors, to celebrate Fletcher's remarkable life will take place at 11:00 AM with Dr. Larry Batttle as the eulogist.

Fletcher will ultimately be laid to rest on Monday October 26, 2026, at 2:15 PM at the Rittman Cemetery, located at 14300 Decourcey, Rittman, OH., in honor of his valor and service to our country.

For a caring farewell, at this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Fletcher Lee Howard Jr. elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1617 Third St. NE, Canton, Ohio, Phone: 330-454-3901. Fletch will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends.