John L. Fleming, 81, of Eau Claire died Sunday morning at Orchard Manor Care Center, Grove City, where he had lived for a short time due to ill health.

Born June 5, 1924, in Eau Claire, he was the son of John and Myrtle Stalker Fleming.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps Jan. 15, 1943, and was honorably discharged Nov. 28, 1945, at Cherry Point, N.C., with the rank of staff sergeant. He received several honorable patches for various service deeds and was heavily involved in special Okinawa operations. He served in the Central Pacific from April 1944 to September 1945.

He worked 12 years at Quaker State Refinery. He then became a locomotive engineer for the B&O Railroad, now the Chessie System, stationed out of Butler and Warren, Ohio. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Mr. Fleming was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church of Eau Claire, where he served in many capacities over the years. He was a 61-year member of the Foxburg American Legion Post and was a member of VFW Post 7073, Parker. He also was a member and past master of Canby Masonic Lodge 520 of St. Petersburg, where he belonged for more than 50 years.

He enjoyed gardening, hunting and walking outdoors. Upon moving back to Eau Claire nearly 20 years ago, he decided to clear the underbrush and unwanted trees in the cemetery behind the Methodist church. He also served as a long-time volunteer on the Parks and Recreation Committee in Eau Claire and donated hundreds of hours in maintaining the park and equipment.Surviving are his wife, Martha June Best Fleming, whom he married Nov. 5, 1945; a daughter, Sandra Callander of Eau Claire; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Carl (Norma) Slaugenhoup of Parker; five brothers, Harry Fleming of Grove City. Robert E. "Gene," James and Charles "Chuck" Fleming, all of Foxburg and Ronald Fleming of Knox; and a number of nieces and nephews.

<B>FLEMING</B> - Friends of John L. Fleming, who died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at H. JACK BUZARD FUNERAL HOME, Main Street, Eau Claire. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Petersburg Cemetery, Clarion County.