Robert P. Fancher

Robert P. ""Bob"" Fancher died March 19, 2015 after battling cancer twice in his lifetime. He was born November 2, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Vivian von Gremp and John Preston Fancher. Growing up in Missouri, he graduated from Richland High School and Missouri University in Columbia. After college, he entered the Officers Training Corps of the U.S. Air Force and served 20 years attaining the rank of Major and serving in Iran, Germany, and various bases in the U.S. After retiring from active duty, he settled in Arvada, Colorado, where he continued his government service, working in the Minerals Management Department at the Denver Federal Center. Robert was an accomplished skier, but his passion was running. He completed the Boston Marathon at the age of 58, after battling an invasive cancer, which required the removal of his voice box and tongue. Even though eating was difficult and talking impossible, he survived to compete in many arduous runs-thus the sobriquet ""The Silent Warrior."" Although running was his passion, his true love was his wife and children. He married Martha Jane (Dowd) Bernabe on June 28, 1963 and their union was blessed with three children: John Fancher of Arvada, Colorado, Kelly (Lee) Jackson of Billings, Montana, and Edward (Pabla) Fancher of San Antonio, Texas. He adopted Janie's sons, Don, of New York, and Richard (Angie) of Federal Heights, Colorado. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Shannon, William, Robert, Stacie, Shawna, Noelle, Nelly, Tuscany, and Willy; sisters, Harriet Lyle, of Sierra Madre, California, and Marilyn Hennon, of Overland Park, Kansas; as well as, countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janie; and brother, Don Fancher of Columbia, Missouri. Funeral Services honoring Robert will be Wednesday, March 25, 2015, 11:00 AM, at Pinebrooke Community Church, 11700 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. Committal Service with Full Military Honors will be Friday, March 27, 2015, 9:00 AM, Fort Logan National Cemetery, Area ""A,"" 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of the following organizations: The Denver Hospice 501 South Cherry Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80246 or Easter Seals of Colorado 5755 West Alameda Avenue Lakewood, Colorado 80226-3500 Please share your memories of Bob and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.