Farland “Ed” Fansher, 97, of Newtown died March 17. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Northridge Fansher. Born October 12, 1917, in Edmond, Okla., he was the son of Bernice (Brown) Fansher and Raymond Fansher. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm.

He graduated from Kansas State University in 1941 with a degree in dairy manufacturing.  He was a varsity wrestler, a member of the competitive cattle judging team, and a member of Farm House fraternity.

After a short stint working for the State of Kansas, he was commissioned as a naval pilot. Mr Fansher flew a Martin MarinerPBM-5. With a crew of 11 men, it was one of the largest planes in World War II. The plane entered Tokyo Bay two days before the Japanese signed the document of surrender, and flew the first patrol flight over the Japanese islands.

Following his discharge from the Navy, Mr Fansher joined Sealtest Company, managing a bottling plant in New York City, then in Stamford. In 1973 he moved to the Danbury area to manage the Marcus dairy plant’s bottling operations, until he retired.

His wife; his son Matt, and his wife Miranda, of Stamford; his brother Stanley of Garden City, Kan.; sister Virginia of Phoenix, Ariz.; his sister-in-law Marie Northridge of Florham Park, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr Fansher. His sister, Frances Adams; and his brothers, Forrest and Marvin, predeceased him.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place Friday, March 27, at 11 am, at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown. Interment will take place at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Congregational Church (Book of Remembrance), 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470; or Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, #100, Rocky Hill CT 06067 or at www.alz.org/donate.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is serving the family.