Fletcher “Lee” VanVolkenburgh, 77, of Buckhannon, W.Va. passed away peacefully at home under the compassionate care of WVU Hospice on Monday, March 11, 2019.
He was born on April 29, 1941 in Wayland, N.Y. to Fletcher Claude and Dorthey Mildred VanScooter VanVolkenburgh.
When he met Gertrude May Thomas, he met the love of his life and his life long companion. The two were married on Aug. 3, 1968. He was a hardworking husband and father and his wife and family were Lee’s greatest joy.
Lee is survived by his wife, Gertrude; two children: Donna Lowe of Trinity, N.C., and Ann Coffey of Buckhannon; one daughter-in-law: Debra Gaudioso; 10 grandchildren: Toni, Allan, Hillary, Samantha, Kendrick, Owen, Jeremy, Rebecca, Susie, and Roger III; six step grandchildren: Heather, Jason, Tracy, Eric, Krystal, and Stephanie; 13 great grandchildren: Christian, Hannah, Peyton, Ashley, Kenzie Jayden, Alison, Adalee, Alexander, Marley, little John, Ariana and one on the way; several step great grandchildren and one brother, Claude “Mike” VanVolkenburgh of Rochester, .NY.
In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by one son, David E. Gaudioso; and one sister, Betty Pearce.
Lee began working at an early age as a Summer Youth Officer for Salvation Army before becoming employed with Y & E Manufacturing in Rochester, N.Y. He and his family moved to Florida where he spent 14 years working for Sewall Plastics before returning to New York. The family didn’t stay long in New York but moved to North Carolina where Lee worked as a Saw Plainer for Summers Lumber until his retirement. Lee moved to Buckhannon in February of 2000.
Spending time with his family is what Lee liked best but he also loved music, enjoyed collecting coins & cameras and spending time perfecting his pistol aim.
Lee’s request for cremation has been honored and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Tomblyn-Clutter Funeral & Cremation is honored and privileged to serve the family of Fletcher “Lee” VanVolkenburgh. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Tomblyn-ClutterFuneral.com.
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