Donald "Don" Wayne Fisher

Donald “Don” Wayne Fisher, son of Jerrel Eugene Fisher and Joyce Dorene (Ferriel) Fisher Butts, was born October 15, 1948 in Hayti, Missouri. At the age of eight, Don made a profession of faith and was baptized. Due to his father being a Baptist minister, Don attended several school districts during his growing up years. They eventually settled in the Waynesville area and he graduated from Waynesville High School. Don spoke mostly of his growing up years about spending summers with his Grandpa Fisher on the farm in Hartville, Missouri, living next door to the Old Ft. Wayne in Waynesville and having all the historic richness as his playground. From October 1968 until October 1971, Don served in the United States Army. He received the Purple Heart Medal during his one year tour in Vietnam. After leaving the Army, Don sold art work at various festivals in Oklahoma and Missouri. He also served as woodcarver at Silver Dollar City during the summers. Don worked on a two year project for the Missouri Department of Conservation charting and studying the usage of the Gasconade River from Hartville, Missouri to the Missouri River. He was currently employed as an exhibit maker for the Engineer Museum on Fort Leonard Wood. For his excellent work, Don received 3 Commanders Awards for Civilian Service and also the Commanding General’s Certificate for Meritorious Achievement. In 1979, Don painted a watercolor painting of the Old Stagecoach Stop and took 1st Place in the Historical Society contest. He also made a diorama of Old Waynesville for the museum located in the Old Court House. He also enjoyed doing woodcarving, archaeology (arrowhead collecting), and studying Indian history in Pulaski County. Don had many stories of days gone by and would carve Indians out of respect for their heritage. On October 23, 1993, Don was united in marriage to Carol Ann Henson. They shared over 23 years together and two daughters: Dee Ann and Laura. Don was a lifetime member of the Freedom of the Road Riders Inc. (founding member Local 28), a member of the Richland Masonic Lodge #385, Abou Ben Adhem of Springfield and Shriners International. Don passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 65 years, 6 months and 29 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Don leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Carol A. Fisher of Crocker, MO; mother: Joyce Butts (John) of Springfield, MO; two daughters: Dee Ann Crider (Jim) of Reeds Spring, MO and Laura Dye of Arlington, TX; two brothers: Robert Fisher (Theresa) of Springfield, MO and Glen Fisher of Denver, CO; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by his father, Jerrel Fisher and one grandson, Andy Dye. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Jim Anderson officiating. Serving as escorts were Jim Crider, Cory-Boy Crider, Donavon Dye, Daniel Dye, SPC E-4 David Guile and Scotty Hughes. Burial followed in the New Hope Cemetery of Phillipsburg, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Don Fisher to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.

Donald "Don" Wayne Fisher

October 15, 1948 - May 14, 2014