Saxtons River, Vermont - Francis E. Fletcher (Buckshot), 76, passed away on February 2018, surrounded by his loving family, after a prolonged illness, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Francis was born in Springfield, Vermont, December 26, 1941 to Lyle D. Fletcher, Sr. and Victoria L. (Duby) Fletcher, both of whom predeceased him. Francis served in the United States Army from 1958-1962. He returned to Vermont and married Linda L. (McQuaide) Fletcher on January 3, 1964 in Grafton, Vermont and made their home in Saxtons River. Linda died April 2,. 2017.

Francis worked as a truck driver briefly for James Trucking out of Saxtons River, VT, and then as a Certified Welder at the Bryant Grinder Corporation, in Springfield, VT until retiring after 38 years in 2000. After retirement Francis spent time logging and plowing fields with the horses at the Holton Farm in Westminster, VT.

Francis was a well accomplished deer and rabbit hunter, and enjoyed raising beagles, his horses, horse pulls, baseball and spending time with his family and friends.

Francis is survived by his children: Jessie L Temple, and husband Dale of Putney, VI and their children Kathryn L. Temple, Elizah K. Temple and Kyle F. Temple, and his daughter Zoe Rose Parsons, all of Putney; Gordon L. (Spike) Fletcher, his son Shane M. Healey-Fletcher, both of Saxtons River, and daughter Carissa A. Healey of Perry, Georgia; June E. Streeter and husband Cole, of Westminster, along with their children Zachary C., Jacob L., Madison E., Nicholas L Joshua F. and Alyson M.; Amy-Sue Fletcher, and partner Matthew Mabe, of Saxtons River, and her daughters Kayla M. Coburn, of Alstead, N.H. and Kori A Coburn, of North Walpole, New Hampshire. Also survived by his siblings, sister Marcia J. (Fletcher) Furgat, and husband Edward and brother Michael D. Fletcher, and wife Alesia, all of Saxtons River, and sister Dianne S. (Fletcher) Smith of Cambridgeport Three sister in-laws, Debra J.(McQuaide) Albro, and husband Dennis of Westminster, VT, Tonilyn (Eaton) Fletcher and Norma (Buck)Fletcher, both of Norton, VT. Two brother-in-laws, Warren Wilkins of West Townshend, and Michael B. Furgat of Saxtons River, VT. Aunts Patricia (Duby) Fletcher of Bellows Falls, VT and Cora (Perry)Fletcher of Athens an Uncle, Donald Duby of Rutland, VT, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Francis is predeceased by three sisters, Judith A (Fletcher) Bemis, Brenda J (Fletcher) Wilkins and Lynda (Fletcher) Furgat and two brothers, Lyle D. Fletcher, Jr., and Steven W. Fletcher, Sr.

There will be no calling hours and a private celebration will be held at a later date at the family's discretion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Saxtons River Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 81, Saxtons River, VT 05154.