Vernon “Gabby” Fletcher was born August 17, 1927. He attended DeWitt High School and graduated in 1956. Gabby was an exceptional athlete who lettered in football, basketball and track.

Upon graduation, Gabby completed one year at Iowa State Teacher’s College. He married Joyce Krukow in 1949, and they had ten children. Gabby operated Fletcher’s Clover Farm Store in Calamus, Iowa, for a number of years before moving back to DeWitt. He became employed by Barnes Foodland and worked there for 37 years.

Gabby was a World War II Army veteran, an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, the Springbrook Country Club and the Hawkeye Bowling League. He played semi-pro baseball and helped develop Lincolnway Little League Baseball. Gabby was an avid Cubs fan and acquired his nickname from Cubs’ catcher Gabby Hartnett. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, and most sports. He was a devoted supporter of Central Community High School athletics and fine arts programs. Gabby died unexpectedly on January 7, 1997.

The Vernon “Gabby” Fletcher Scholarship Fund is awarded to a Central Community High School graduate who plans to further his or her education.