The common denominator

Jack and Pat Fletcher were married in Tallapoosa, Missouri on November 23, 1947.

By Courtney Luke

"We have a common denominator", stated Jack Fletcher explaining the key to his long, successful marriage to his wife Pat. Both agree, the common denominator, their faith and trust in Jesus Christ has helped their marriage since its beginning.

On November 23, 1947, the children of competing cotton ginners married at the bride's church in Tallapoosa, Missouri.

Patricia Sherwood and Jack Fletcher attended Gideon School together. When she was 15 years old and he was 16, they began dating. The young couple worked for their parents at their gins and only had Friday nights and Sunday afternoons to date. They went to the movies and enjoyed swimming at the Malden, Dexter and Kennett public pools.

Her grandfather worked at the New Madrid theater and would let them come in free of charge.

Jack was one of three children born to a self-made business man who had begun supporting himself at the age of eight. His father, Louis, built, at 16, a grocery store on the St. Francis River to meet the needs of those traveling the river. He cleared land, farmed, built a saw mill and gained many other types work experience at a young age. He eventually opened a grocery store in Gideon, Missouri targeting rural farmers living just outside the town who did not owe their livelihood to the Gideon-Anderson Company that controlled most of the town. His business thrived.

Jack acquired much of that same business savvy by learning from his father.

Senior Fletcher also opened a cotton gin in Gideon.

When Jack was 15, workers were limited due to World War II. His father asked him to come help out and that is when he joined the family business.

Patricia was born in Oklahoma to parents who had met in New Madrid. They moved to Oklahoma for work. Her dad believed that a husband and father should do whatever work he could in order to provide for his family. Like Louis Fletcher, William Sherwood, gained much business experience eventually opening the Sherwood Cotton Gin in Tallapoosa.

For many years, Jack and Pat talked about getting married. Eventually Pat received a ring in a small box. A sweet note from Jack was also included expressing his love for her.

Jack began building the couple a house and saved up for a honeymoon to Niagara Falls and other areas in New England and the East Coast.

Neither had traveled without their parents and enjoyed the adventure.

Though Pat had worked for her dad at his gin, once she and Jack were married, she no longer kept a public job.

Soon, four children came along. In July 1949, Sally was born. Their second daughter Retha was born in April 1951. In 1956, Tony was born and their youngest, Clark came in 1961.

After their marriage, they continued traveling and have visited all 50 states, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. With their children, they have spent much time in Colorado and have enjoyed skiing as a family.

In 1963, Jack built a larger house to help fit the family of six that had easily outgrown the small house he built at the beginning of their marriage.

The Fletcher kids kept their parents busy with their many activities. Like their dad, all four took piano lessons. The girls were involved in cheerleading and band and the boys also enjoyed school activities and band.

Both Jack and Pat credit their faith as playing an important role in their lives and believe God's guidance was integral to the success of their marriage. Pat began teaching Sunday School at the age of 13 and has never quit. Jack played the organ at Gideon's First Baptist Church for over 50 years.

Through the years, Pat has especially enjoyed working with children in her church. She has also been involved in the choir, cooking for dinners and hosting young people at the Fletcher home.

One of her favorite activities at her church is Vacation Bible School.

"Kids learn so much that week," she said, explaining that the week in summer that children attend special church activities each day makes a permanent impression on those kids.

Jack has also been active in their church having served as deacon, boys Sunday School teacher for 25 years, trustee, and church treasurer. In addition to organist, he also sang in the choir.

After having managed Fletcher Gin in Gideon for 55 years, Jack now runs F.A.I.T.H., an agriculture company that's name stands for Fletcher Agriculture In His Name.

The couple also enjoys their 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

In recent years, Pat has had several health concerns. She credits Jack for helping her get through those hard times.

"If it hadn't been for him, I'd never have made it."

Jack explained that they believe it is important to say positive things to each other.

"We get along pretty good, don't we, Honey?" asked Pat.

"As long as I don't say anything critical!", joked Jack.

Both Fletchers admit that they, like all others, have never had a perfect marriage. They've gotten mad at each other, just like all couples, but their "common denominator- Jesus" has kept them going in the right direction for the last 67 years.