Thomas Charles Fletcher, age 71, of Garland, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, surrounded by his family in Plano, Texas.

Thomas, fondly known as Tom, was born on February 24, 1953, to Clavus and Betty Fletcher in Waco, Texas. Tom spent most of his childhood in the Waco area. Tom and his family moved to Garland, Texas during his high school days where he graduated from South Garland High School in 1971. Tom then went on to attend East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University Commerce, on a music scholarship where he was able to study under Everett Gilmore, Daryl Rauscher and Dr. Neill Humbled.

Tom loved music, softball, photography, going on cruises and traveling to Las Vegas. Tom's love for music started very young. In 6th grade Tom started by playing the cornet, then the trombone and euphonium. Tom was a very talented musician. He continued to play in numerous bands and ensembles over the years around the DFW area. Tom was asked by the late George Jones Jr. of the Richardson Community Band to play as a soloist in 2009 and ended up staying with the band. Tom was also a member and played with multiple other bands including the Wilshire Winds at Wilshire Baptist Church, Frontier Brigade, Kleine Bleustik and many other German bands around Texas for Octoberfest. Tom also spent many years working at Kraft Foods Plant in Garland. After 37 and half years he was able to retire in 2010. Tom also enjoyed playing slow pitch softball for Kraft and El Chico teams. When not playing in multiple bands, Tom loved taking pictures of all the grandchildren. We have very few pictures of him over the years. He didn't take any selfies. Tom enjoyed going on cruises, especially when he took his family.

Tom found the love of his life, his "Soulmate" and married Amy in 2003, in Las Vegas. They built a life in Garland together where they were able to blend their families as one. Tom lived for his "Grandchildren". From the moment they were born he was there for all their milestones, accomplishments and all their sporting and school activities. There were very few things that he missed out of the 5 grandkids. He was so very proud of each of them. He would always tell them how proud he was and how much he loved them. He gave the best hugs and would always say "Good night, God bless you and I hope you sleep well". Tom even spoiled all the family animals. They knew they would be the center of his attention when Tom would animal/house sit for the children. Tom was also the handyman for anyone who needed him. He could always come up with a way to fix something. If he couldn't find exactly what he wanted, he would stop, put his hand on his chin and hold it there while he thought about it. Then he would have an idea, and he would then proceed to fix it. Tom had a great sense of humor, always laughing and trying to get others to laugh. His humor continues to live on through his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Amy Fletcher, son Jason Fletcher and wife Joyce, daughter Mitzi Vann and husband Jason, bonus daughter Candice Ochsendorf and husband Mark. Grandchildren Cameron, Jessica, Jackson, Braeden and Tatum. He is survived by his first wife and mother of his children, Terri Fletcher. Tom is also survived by his mother Betty Fletcher, brothers Larry Fletcher, Pat Fletcher and wife Karen, John Fletcher and wife Trish. Aunt - Barbara Fletcher and cousins. In Laws, mother-in-law Vanda Scott, sister-in-laws Kay Pratt and husband Jim, Judy VanZant and husband Gary, brother-in-law Steve Scott. Also including six nieces, seven nephews, three great nieces and seven great nephews. And not to forget all of his furbabies.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Clavus Fletcher, grandfather Charles "Bunny" Holding, grandmother Frances "Fanny" Holding, Uncle Herbert "Bill" Fletcher, and father-in-law Johnny Scott and sister-in-law Linda Fletcher.

Tom was loved by so many and will be missed by all of his family, friends and fellow musicians.

Celebration of Life for Tom will be held November 2, 2024, at 10:00 am at Wilshire Baptist Church 4316 Abrams Rd. Dallas, Texas 75214. Live Stream link below.

In lieu of flowers you may donate if you wish to St. Jude's Research Hospital -stjude.org (Tom played at the hospital with The Frontier Brigade Band and it touched his heart). Save The Music Foundation - savethemusic.org (Tom taught private music lessons to children in the public schools and gave many hours of his own time to help children continue to learn music).

https://youtube.com/live/EVfb2xwwvoA