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Paul Chipman Fletcher, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away on January 4, 2020 in Fresno, CA at the age of 93. He was born on January 10, 1926 in New York City to Harvey Fletcher and Karen Lorena Chipman Fletcher. He was the youngest of seven children. He lived in New York until ninth grade when the family moved to New Jersey. He attended Pingry Country Day School for his last two years of high school, graduating first in his class with honors. In addition to his academic studies, Paul enjoyed playing basketball and football, and playing the trombone in several bands. Following high school, Paul joined the Navy Reserve in December 1943. He was sent to Dartmouth College as an apprentice seaman. After two terms, the military transferred him to M.I.T. The war (WWII) ended and he was discharged. He continued his education at MIT, obtaining a bachelor degree in science in physics. Paul then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Scotland for two years from 1947 to 1949. He was proud of assisting in the re-establishment of several congregations that had been fragmented during the war. After returning from his mission, Paul spent one year attending the University of Utah. He decided to transfer to Columbia University in New York, completing his Ph.D. in Physics. During this time, he met Norma Hunt through church activities. Norma was working at New York Hospital as a dietitian. Paul and Norma were married on May 4, 1955 in the Logan, Utah temple. Together they raised six children: Greg (Thulie), Scott, Mark (Tracy), Cheryl (Kevin), Gary, and James. Paul worked for Hughes Aircraft Company in California, conducting research on ferrimagnetism. He published several papers and received two patents. He then worked for Electro Optical Systems, being in charge of laser development and building the first laser printer in 1967. He then worked for NASA lab in Massachusetts, where he was in charge of the Space Optics Division. Budget cuts led to this lab being closed and Paul returned to California in 1969 to work at the Navy Electronic Laboratory Center. He was in charge of Electromagnetic research. He retired in 1992. Paul has remained active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding positions in bishoprics, mutual, scouting, and teaching. His favorite position was overseeing Road Show plays, especially in New York City and Pasadena where there were professional actors and his shows always won. He enjoyed traveling with Norma and also serving in the San Diego and Fresno temples. He enjoyed throwing pool parties. He also was his children’s, and grandchildren’s, biggest and loudest fan. Paul’s legacy includes ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Paul is preceded in death by his spouse, his parents, his sister Phyllis Firmage, and his brothers, Stephen, Charles, James, and Harvey Junior Fletcher. Memorial services to honor Paul include viewing on Friday January 10, 2020 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Chapel of the Light (1620 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728) and a gravesite service on Saturday January 11, 2020 at 10am at Fresno Memorial Gardens (175 South Cornelia Avenue Fresno, CA 93706). Luncheon to follow.

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Paul Chipman Fletcher

January 10, 1926 - January 4, 2020