Obituary of Richard H. Fellows

Richard “Dick” Fellows, a lifelong Gonzales resident, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on August 29, 2023. He was 98 years old. He was born in Santa Ana, CA on February 4, 1925 to Susie and Howard Fellows. The family moved to Gonzales when he was 5 years old, where he lived the rest of his life. He frequently expressed how much he loved the valley and would never live anywhere else.

Dick enlisted in the Navy during his senior year at Gonzales High School where he served as a radioman on an LST (Landing Ship Tank) in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon his return home in 1946, he finished high school and married Jean Woods. They were married 49 years.

Dick started a water softener business which he later sold to Culligan. He then went to work at the Gonzales Grammar School as a bus driver and head custodian, as his father before him had been.

Dick was very active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years. He served as Scout Master for Troop 370 in Gonzales, earned his Silver Beaver award, and was Salinas Scout Master for three national jamboree tours. He spent lots of time helping maintain Camp Pico Blanco near Big Sur. Dick was a member of the Gonzales Volunteer Fire Department for years, where he served as secretary and Assistant Fire Chief. He was a member of the American Legion Post 81 where he enjoyed barbecuing for events with his “brother Bob” and his nephew Steve.

Fond of dogs, Dick had a dog named JoJo who frequently accompanied him around town. Later in life, Dick adopted another dog, Lucy, who he loved very much, and also cared for a cat, Cat, who lived in his backyard and enjoyed sitting by him on the glider chair.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Jean, son Howard, and three younger siblings; Bob, Patricia and Joleen. He is survived by his son Gordon (Sharon) and daughter Jennifer Nelson (David), six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Dad.

A special thanks to Steve and Mary. You truly are angels. Also thanks to VNA-Hospice and his care givers. If desired, donations can be made to the Gonzales American Legion Post 81. Their address is PO Box 81, Gonzales CA 93926, or to VNA-Hospice or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life is planned for October 7, 2023, from 12–3 p.m. at the Legion Hall in Gonzales.