Oct.
15, 1912 - Feb. 6, 2009SOUTH BEND - Russell John Pletcher, residing in South Bend, passed away at 12:15 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2009, in his home following a brief illness. He was 96 years old. He was born October 15, 1912, in Lakeville, IN, the son of Nathan and Cleo Elizabeth (Beam) Pletcher, and moved to South Bend in 1940, coming from Plymouth. In 1934 Russell joined the Civilian Conservation Camp. For the next several years he moved across the country from Kentucky to Idaho to California, Montana and Utah. He returned to Plymouth in 1937. On June 2, 1940, in Plymouth, he was united in marriage to Vera Belle Sullivan. Together, they enjoyed 61 years of marriage until her passing on June 3, 2001. It was on South Bend's south side that he and Vera raised a family of seven children, all who survive him. They are Carolyn Pletcher of South Bend, Phyllis Jean (Joe) Shelley of South Bend, Beverly Joan (John) Telfer of Fishers, IN, Marcia Jayne (Joseph) Hawkins of Boerne, TX, Joy Marie Pletcher of South Bend, Larry Lee (Lois) Pletcher of Garland, TX, and Jack Philip (Denise) Pletcher of Las Vegas, NV. Also surviving Russell are two brothers, Willard (Ruth) Pletcher of Argos, IN, and Gene Arnold (Leona) Pletcher of South Bend, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Naomi Ruth Crow, Goldie Elizabeth Barlow, and four brothers, Ralph Orlando Pletcher, Clarence David Pletcher, Paul Revere Pletcher and Charles Frederick Pletcher, preceded him in death. Russell was employed with the Studebaker Corp. for 13 years and Fabricated Steel for more than nine years. He also had a watch repair service out of his home for many years. He was a member of South Side Church of God, South Bend. Many years ago he helped to build the Plymouth Church of God. Memorial services celebrating the life of Russell Pletcher will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, in South Side Church of God, 7351 U.S. 31 South, South Bend. Rev. Randy Kerr, pastor, will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service Saturday in the church. Contributions in memory of Mr. Pletcher may be made to the church at 7351 U.S. 31 South, South Bend, IN 46614. The Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, is assisting the Pletcher family with arrangements.