John Rabun Fletcher, 59, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024 at his home.
John was born July 4, 1964 in Amarillo, Texas. He was one of three children born to Dick and Betty (Rabun) Fletcher. He grew up in Goodland, Kansas, and graduated from Goodland High School in the Class of ’82.
John was united in marriage to Heather Werner on June 11, 2004 in Russell. They made their home in Russell.
John served the citizens of Russell County as a civil servant for forty years, most recently as the former Russell County Administrator from 2013 to 2024, until his retirement on March 1. Before that he was the Governor Selection to be the Russell County Sheriff in 1999, and then was re-elected as Sheriff until his retirement in 2015. Prior to serving as the Sheriff, John worked as an EMT and Jailer for Russell County and later was a patrolman for the City of Russell in 1988 until his appointment as Sheriff. In 2008, he graduated from the FBI National Academy Program, Quantico, Virginia. John was past president of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association and after his retirement as Sheriff, he served as the Deputy Director of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association until his death.
He was a member and past ruler of the Russell Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club of Russell, the Economic Development Board, past member of the Russell City Fire Department and served eight years on the USD Board of Education.
John enjoyed doing yardwork (no joke!), he took great pride in maintaining his yard, and could often be seen mowing in “road gear”. In his spare time, he enjoyed trips to the casino, playing golf, shooting, and cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys, Texas Tech University and Kansas State University.
John had a gift in his ability to make those around him feel safe. He was kind, reliable, and the voice of reason. The calm during the storm, and a pillar of strength to many in their times of darkness. He was a great listener, and could be a man of few words, but he was also lighthearted, enjoyed a good joke, and had a great laugh.
John’s surviving family include his wife and best friend of 20 years, Heather of the home; daughter, Jessica Fletcher-Sudlow (Ryan) of Enid, Oklahoma; son, Justice Becker of Wichita, Kansas; brother, Rick Fletcher (Kelly) of Austin, Texas; sister, Kandi Zimmerman (Mark) of Abeline, Texas; and two grandchildren, Tristan and Willow. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) in John’s name. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.