Robert C. Fellows, 86, of Bristol died peacefully at home July 16, 2008. He was the beloved soul mate of 63 years to Jean L. Fellows, predeceased. He was born in Holderness, N.H., July 13, 1922, to the late Ralph and Lillian Fellows of Bristol. A resident of Bristol since 1933, a Bristol Central Class of '41 graduate, he was a master plumber and VP of his local, which is now associated with Local 777. He attended Grace Baptist Church in Bristol and Bath First Baptist in South Carolina. Now heavenly joined with Jean, Robert leaves behind his daughter, Karen Fellows of Coventry; son and daughter-in-law Ricky and Janet Fellows of Wolcott; daughter and son-in-law Wanda and Martin Matlega of Bristol; and son Robin Fellows of Bristol. He also joins his son, Keith Fellows, predeceased. He was the loving grandfather to eight very special men and women: granddaughter Bobbie-Jean Stringer; grandson and his wife, Jamie and Lisa Stringer; grandson and his wife, Jason and Julie Stringer; granddaughter and her husband, Jennifer and Kurt Newell; granddaughter Amanda Fellows; granddaughter Lillian Burgos; grandson Lauren Fellows; granddaughter and her husband, Heather and Dennis Allen. He also leaves eight great-grandchildren, Brielle, Autumn, Jacie, Jaiden, Jacob, Ian, Sienna and one new baby boy, due in October. Robert was a World War II veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, serving as a big-gunner on an M4 Sherman tank in the 10th Armored division, Combat Command A, 21st Tank Battalion. He held a world record for a freshwater striped bass caught the year of his retirement. He loved to travel, fish, golf, share quality time with his family, enjoy a great Western or war movie and was an avid fan of television. A private ceremony will be held at O'Brien Funeral Home and he will be buried today in his family plot in West Cemetery, Bristol. The world has lost a gentle, generous, kind individual, a true family leader, with strength and strong character. He will be sadly missed by his family.

©The Bristol Press 2008