Clarence Pershing Fleck Tribute

Born: October 19, 1917 @ 10:20 a.m. 
Place: Braddock, Pennsylvania
Third child born to:
Father: James H. Fleck (Butcher)
Mother: Amanda Swails Fleck (House Work)
Military Service:  served active duty in the U.S. Army during World War II and honorably discharged. 
Marriage (1st) to Evelyn M. Nichols on August 26, 1939. One child, Bonnie J. Fleck born June 24, 1940.
Marriage (2nd) to Virginia Mae Wise Walter on February 21, 1966.
Survived by: Virginia Mae Wise Walter Fleck, stepsons Luke Walter, Barry Walter, Rick Walter, brother Earl Fleck, grandchildren Kathy, Susie, Lisa, Terri.

Clarence Pershing Fleck was known by a few nicknames including "Buss" and "Jim" but to me he was "Dad".  He officially became my Dad on February 21st, 1966 when he married my Mom Virginia Mae Wise Walter at Cumberland, Maryland.  Not long after that great day we packed up, all seven of us including my brothers Luke, Frank and Barry and our dog Skeeter, and moved from our home in Larimer, Pennsylvania to his home in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.  I wondered if he really knew what he was getting into taking on our brood and we soon learned he sure did.  He loved us and supported us like we were his own natural family.  He had many interests in his long and full life including golf, bowling, euchre, pinochle, building model airplanes (which earned him another nickname, "Rubber Band Jim") and baking for all his many friends at Greenwood Acres in Jackson, Michigan where he and my Mom spent their  retirement summers and Oxnard, California where they spent the winter months.  Another passion of his was driving.  He worked for many years for Suburban Motor Freight in Romulus Michigan before retiring but he never really retired from driving.  Right up to his last year he would load up his car or motor home (he owned many vehicles in his lifetime but that is a whole chapter in his life that those of us close to him will fondly never forget) and make the drive between Jackson and Oxnard with many diversions in between to visit family and friends.  “On the Road Again” is a song meant for my Dad I think.  As I remember him I will never forget what for me was his greatest passion; his dedication to my Mom throughout their 42+ years of marriage. His kind and loving compassionate care for my Mom in her later years is something I will always remember him by and be eternally grateful to him for.  He has truly earned his peace and rest.  Thank you Dad.  Your son, Rick