Graveside funeral service with military honors for Fletcher L. Tilghman, Sr. will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026 in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 5-7 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Fletcher L. Tilghman died Friday, February 6, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 79, one day after the burial of his beloved wife, Betty. He was born July 30, 1946, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Elwayne E. and Effie T. (Caldwell) Tilghman.

Fletcher grew up in Lawton and later moved to Copperas Cove, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He returned to Lawton to attend Cameron State Agricultural College, where he played on the football team that competed in the 1964 Junior Rose Bowl. His love of sports and fierce competitive spirit were hallmarks of his life and remained with him throughout the years. Fletcher later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cameron College in 1973.

On April 15, 1967, Fletcher married Betty Sue Stockton in Lawton. She preceded him in death on January 22, 2026. Beyond his deep love for Betty and his family, Fletcher had an unwavering devotion to the Lord. He became an ordained minister on January 1, 1992, and faithfully served the church throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Park Lane Church of Christ.

Fletcher honorably served his country in the U.S. Army for two years and, following his active-duty service, continued in the U.S. Army Reserve, ultimately attaining the rank of Major. He also worked for U-Haul, Kmart, Midas, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Regardless of the workplace, Fletcher's leadership abilities were evident, and he was consistently entrusted with leadership roles.

He is survived by his son, Fletcher Tilghman, Jr.; his daughter, Elizabeth Tilghman; a brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and LaRonda Tilghman; a sister, Samara Smart; his sister-in-law, Laura Tilghman; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved "Grandcat", Catstiel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Elbert Tilghman, and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Smart.