02/08/2021

Obituary for Donald Eugene “Don” Fisher

Retired Funeral Director of J.H. Finefrock and Sons Funeral Home (now Snyder Funeral Home, Marion Avenue Chapel)

MANSFIELD: Donald Eugene “Don” Fisher passed away Friday, January 29, 2021, at Wedgewood Estates, Mansfield, surrounded by his family. He was 92.

He was born in Lima, Ohio on October 15, 1928 to Robert M. and Willetta Elizabeth (Holbrook) Fisher. Graduating from Ottawa Public School in 1946, he enlisted in the US Army at the end of World War II and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

After the Army, he went on to attend Bowling Green State University and graduated from Cleveland College of Mortuary Science.

Don was employed as Funeral Director and Embalmer at the J.H. Finefrock and Sons Funeral Home, and retired in 1990 after 35 years of service. In early years was active in the Mansfield Jay C’s working on the Miss Ohio Pageant and served on the board, he was also board member of the American Heart Association. In free time, he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and Renaissance Theater. 

He was a member of Kingwood Men’s Garden Club, Venus Lodge #152 F&AM (Masons), Baku Grotto, Columbus Chapter of 82nd Airborne Veterans and Emmaus Community. Don was a 50 Year member of Ohio Funeral Directors Association and Ohio Embalmers Association and 50+ year member of the First United Methodist Church serving in many offices including trustee, president of Methodist Men and was instrumental in the annual meal in the Upper Room for many years as well as Supper on the Square.

In spare time, Don loved camping with his family, hunting and fishing especially on Lake Erie. He enjoyed playing in the monthly Pinochle Club and the friendships he created there. He traveled to every State in the United States except Alaska and toured Europe and Indonesia and even got a role as a prisoner in the movie Shawshank Redemption. After retiring Don and Mary enjoyed over 20 years wintering on the Gulf Coast of Florida and summers at Apple Valley near Mt. Vernon.

Don had a unique sense of humor, always had a positive attitude and never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed!

Don is survived by children Rev. Cynthia Ann and Rev. Mark Freer formerly of Mansfield and Dr. James T. Fisher of Florida; four grandchildren Andrew and Sara Freer, Matthew Freer, Bobby Fisher and Julie Fisher; and three great granddaughters Ada, Miriam and Alice Freer.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Louise (Treece) Fisher whom he married June 25, 1950 and his parents.

Friends may call in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home (350 Marion Avenue) Tuesday, February 9, 2021 beginning at 10 am where a funeral service honoring Don’s life will begin promptly at 11 am. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Rev. Becky Weamer will officiate. Military Honors will be performed by Bellville American Legion Post #535. Burial will follow in Harmon Cemetery, near Ottawa, Ohio.

Contributions in his memory to First United Methodist Church may be made at the funeral. Please send checks to PO Box 3085 Mansfield, Ohio 44904.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Don’s family and encourage you to leave a message of support or watch his tribute video at SnyderFuneralHomes.com