WILLIAMSBURG, VA | Wilbur B. "Buck" Fichter of Williamsburg, Va., died on March 23, 2016. Buck was born in Kinston, N.C., on July 19, 1935, to John and Agnes Fichter. He was an ace high school pitcher, and then played for Wake Forest University when they won the 1955 NCAA Division 1 Baseball Championship. Following graduation from Wake in 1957 with a degree in Mathematics, he came to NACA (now NASA) in Hampton, Va. He met Ann Bowles, a fellow NACA employee, in a graduate math class. They were married on August 30, 1958, and spent 54 blissful years together. Ann preceded Buck in eternal rest on January 31, 2013. While at NACA/NASA, Buck continued his education, first getting a Master's degree in Engineering Mathematics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1966, and then a PhD in Engineering Mathematics from North Carolina State University in 1969. During his distinguished career, Buck helped America's space program, publishing many technical papers on esoteric subjects such as the vibration characteristics of critical aircraft structures, and predictable errors in antenna mesh structures. While working at NASA, he also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Christopher Newport College where he taught Math classes in the evenings for many years. He later became an Adjunct Professor for the Graduate School of Engineering at The George Washington University where he taught courses on theory and applications of complex variables. His athleticism continued to flourish, with Buck serving as a high school football referee, and later developing an impressive golf game. Buck is survived by his children and grandchildren, Bryan, Deborah, Dane, and Shelby Fichter, of Maryland, and Lee Ann, John, and Jessica VanOrmer of northern Virginia. Their love and support brought a comfort to Buck that no medicine could have provided. Finding love once in a lifetime is remarkable. Buck was lucky enough to find it twice, spending much of his final years with Annie Rex of Gloucester, Va. Her warmth, energy and love brightened Buck's days. The family intends to host an event in "Celebration of Buck's Life" where we would like to share happy memories with family and friends. Details of the event will be published at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185; Williamsburg Regional Library, 515 Scotland, St., Williamsburg, VA 23185; and Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Arrangements are by Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com.

Published in Free Press on Mar. 30, 2016