Obituary of Everett Fitchlee

Everett A. Fitchlee was taken home by the Lord on Saturday September 25, 2021, to be with his beloved wife Ruth and son Gary.  He was predeceased by Gary on February 1, 2008 and Ruth on October 6, 2009.

He was born September 20, 1923 to Victor A. and Beatrice (Holmes) Fitchlee, in the Town of Royalton.  Everett attended the County School in Royalton Center and was in the Lockport High School Class of 1942.

Everett married Ruth Behm on December 7, 1946 in Trinity Lutheran Church in Lockport and they had three children; Leonard, Gary and Nancy.

He went into the Army Air Force in March 1943, AirCraft Mechanics School at Curtiss Wright in California and Gunnery School in Nevada.  He then joined a crew as Engineer for flight training on a Boeing B17 bomber in Rapid City, South Dakota.  In September 1944, he joined the 390th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force in Framlingham, England where he flew 30 missions over Germany and Europe.  He received the Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, the 8th Air Force Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After World War II ended in May 1945, he returned home and was later discharged as a T/Sergeant in September 1945.  He took a tool and die apprenticeship at Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors and then advanced to a Senior Tool Designer.  He retired in 1982 after 36 years with Harrison’s.  After retirement Everett and Ruth enjoyed wintering in Florida.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, The Tuscarora Club, Elks Club, Moose Club, Clinton Club and American Legion. He lived his entire life in the Lockport Area.

He is survived by his son Leonard (Margie) Fitchlee of Middleport and daughter Nancy (Dean) Warner of Richmond, VA.; also 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting and fishing, playing cards, gardening and spending time with his family and friends.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, September 30^th from 4-7 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport.   Services will be held Friday, October 1^st at 10 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, 67 Saxton Street, Lockport.  Interment will be in Acacia Park Cemetery.  Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or to charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.