Fletcher Sr. Gary V.
Fletcher, Gary V., Sr., 77, retired Wichita Public School music educator, died Sunday, November 19, 2006. Gary wished for a private service to be held. He was preceded in death by his second wife Sally Starkey. Survivors include two sons, Geoffrey (Joyce), of Wichita, and Vernon, of Kiowa; sisters, Yvonne Fletcher, of Wellington, and Sondra Sibley, of Augusta; nephew, David Sibley, of Augusta; nieces Debbie, Loretta, and Vickie Sibley; first wife, Donita Ragan, of Kiowa; step-children, Dee, Rick, and Susan Starkey; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
My late wife, Virginia, and I enjoyed some great musical experiences with Gary, a gifted musician, and fine teacher. His contributions to Newton’s music world have left a tremendous legacy. Jean W. Coleman, Newton
Gary showed me that great classical and jazz music can happen anywhere with high expectations and great teaching. His mark on the musical art of Newton is profound and longlasting. I am fortunate to have counted him as a colleague, mentor and friend.
We want Geoff, Vernon and Donita to know that we are very saddened to learn of Gary’s death. He inspired and guided countless numbers of young musicians in the Newton area during the years he was the Director of Music in the Newton schools. He began the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony and he guided it and his school orchestras to very high quality achievement. It is sad to know he is no longer with us but his teachings will remain with all who were guided by his outstanding musicanship. We are so glad his name will live on in the Newton High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
Mr. Fletcher got me involved in his new string program in Newton when I was in 3rd grade. He was my orchestra teacher throughout my school years, and helped me to enjoy music for a lifetime. I still play the violin, and I appreciate the gift he gave me. My condolences to Geoff, a former classmate and string player, and to the rest of the Fletcher family.
It’s been many years ago that Mr. Fletcher taught my best friend Melanie and me to play the violin at Lincoln School in Newton. I have many great memories of Mr. Fletcher as our NHS orchestra conductor. I will never forget him.
The Hartzel Schmidt family has fond memories of Gary as a North Newton neighbor and jazz and band instructor. Rodney and William thrived under his jazz band guidance, especially. Our condolences to the family members.
I am sorry for your familys loss. I was a student of Mr. Fletchers at Pleasent Valley Jr.High in 1988 and 1989. He was a great teacher. After all these years I still remember his passion for the music he taught. I am glad that I can call myself one of his students. Your family is in my thought and prayers.
Gary Fletcher introduced me to the beauties and thrill of playing chamber music, which for a pianist was a revelation. I played violin under his baton in the NHS orchestra and in the Mid-Kansas Orchestra and still love hearing pieces of repertoire that he conducted. He stretched his high school players beyond what we could do–and taught us that we COULD play difficult music if we chose to work hard. I will always be grateful to him for opening up new opportunities to us and encouraging us to reach for the stars. My condolences are sent to his family.
Gary was a gifted musician and dedicated teacher who encouraged dozens of young people to experience and appreciate orchestral music. He and Donita urged me to learn to play viola, and I took lessons from Donita during my high school years and played in Gary’s orchestra at Newton High School in the early 60’s. I was not totally cooperative with his musical plans for me, and I did not apply myself as much as he might have wished, but I learned to appreciate a wide variety of musical selections and styles and eventually nurtured 2 string players in my own family — my oldest son played violin, and I passed my viola on to my daughter. When I hear certain pieces of classical music on the radio, I still identify them as ‘music we played in Gary Fletcher’s orchestra.’ I am so grateful for his legacy of music that blessed me and so many others. My deepest condolences to Donita and sons — may your memories bring you comfort!
I’m the ‘best friend Melanie’ that Lori was talking about above. Wow, that was a long time ago! Mr. Fletcher was most definitely a person I will never forget. His legacy lives on – From those humble beginnings at Lincoln School with Mr. Fletcher, I have become the parent of 4 string players. My oldest will be graduating from college in May and returning to Kansas as a Music Educator! To the family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Until Sue Ice sent me the notification of Gary’s passing, I had no idea he had died. Gary Fletcher was a legend in Newton musical circles. He directed our church choir, and I played flute in his Newton High School orchestra. He was an extraordinary musician and a mentor to many musicians. I am so sorry that he is gone.
We shall always remember Gary as a respected musician and a good friend. We are saddened to learn of his passing. Marilyn and Don Killian