Jedediah Seth Fancher

On September 30, 2019, MSG Jedediah "Jed" Seth Fancher passed away at the age of 41.  Jed was born on November 14, 1978, in Lincoln, Illinois, the son of Lisa Platz and Frank Fancher.  He grew up in Peoria, Illinois and graduated from Dunlap High School in 1997.  As a child and teenager, Jed enjoyed science, "taking things apart," reading, and weightlifting.  He was curious about how things worked and always asked "why?"  Jed spent a lot of his childhood at his grandparents’ farm, where he fostered his love for exploration and learned everything he could from his grandpa.  Following high school, he attended Illinois Central College, where he studied to become a physical therapist.  While attending college, he decided to enlist in the Army.  

In 2005, Jed met his wife, Stephanie Marin, and married her in 2012.  In 2018, Jed and Stephanie welcomed their beautiful daughter, Isla.  She quickly became Jed's world.  He was a devoted father, loving husband, amazing son and son-in-law, and great brother.  His interests included trying new foods and restaurants, cooking, smoking meat, camping, and technology.  He was extremely intelligent and caring, which led to friends and family seeking his advice and knowledge.  Jed had a sense of humor, enjoyed playing pranks on his friends, and had a soft spot for animals.  

Jed's military career began in July 1998.  He completed Basic Training at Ft. Knox, KY, followed by Wire Systems Equipment Repairer (35N) Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Gordon.  He eventually changed his military occupation specialty to Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator (35T).  His duty assignments included Ft. Polk, LA; Seoul, South Korea; Ft. Detrick, MD; Ft. Huachuca, AZ; Camp Humphreys, South Korea; and Ft. Meade, MD.  Jed deployed on multiple missions throughout EUCOM, INDOPACOM, NORTHCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and SOUTHCOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the nation.  During Jed's 21 years of honorable service, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award one oak leaf cluster, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal sixth award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,  Iraq Campaign Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon with numeral 3, Overseas Service Ribbon, Aviation Crew Member Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Marksmanship Qualification Badge Rifle, and Pistol.  

During Jed's military career, he epitomized the last phrase of the Military Intelligence Soldier's Creed: "Always at silent war while ready for a shooting war: The silent warrior of the Army team."  He was a consummate professional who cared deeply about the nation, the Army, his unit, and his fellow service members.  

Jed is survived by his wife, Stephanie Marin; daughter, Isla; mother, Lisa Platz; father, Frank; step-father William Platz; sister, Angela Hollaway; many cousins; five nieces; and a Boston Terrier, Beans.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, October 6, 2019, from 2pm to 4pm at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Hwy (Rt. 3 South), Bowie, MD 20715 where a funeral service will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 11am, followed by a reception at 1pm at The Hideaway, 1439 Odenton Rd, Odenton, MD 21113.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations at https://www.gofundme.com/f/master-sergeant-jedediah-fancher.