Don “The Fish” Fisher aged 82 passed away peacefully at the KC Hospice House on Saturday March 25th 2023. Don was born on October 29, 1940 to Ernest Elmer Fisher and Nettie Kathryn Fisher in Weir City, Kansas. He was preceded in death by both parents along with two brothers Fred and Ernie.
Don is survived by his wife Rachel of the home in Clinton; sister Nadine Roberts; daughters Donnell Williams (Clayton), Jenette Scales (Dennis), Jane Elmer (John), and Jennifer Huff (Allen). Grandchildren surviving include Ryan Minta (Courtnie), Tayler Enlow (Cody), Ashley Scales – Scimeca (Alex), Zachary Scales (Morgan), Tanner Elmer, Mason Huff (Madison). Also survived by 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don graduated from Weir High School in 1958. He excelled in athletics playing football, baseball, and basketball. Later in life his love of sports would see him taking up golf. Following high school he would marry and from that union would be the 2 oldest daughters, Donnell and Jenette. He would then move to Wichita, Kansas to be near his sister Nadine. There he would graduate from Moler Barber School in 1966. Interestingly, Rachel (who just happened to be Nadine’s best friend from nursing school) arrived in Wichita for a visit with Nadine. She would send Don to pick up Rachel and that would be the beginning of a relationship that would last over 55 years. Don’s sense of humor was well known and he could be heard making a play or parody on the Fats Domino song Blueberry Hill and would sing that “I Lost My Thrill on Smallwood (Blueberry) Hill.” With this marriage he gained a bonus daughter, Janie.
Rachel and Don would have one child together, Jennifer. They would move around and eventually land in Clinton in 1977 where they would make their home. Don would barber with his good buddy AJ at the Ideal Barber Shop. He would entertain his clients with stories, jokes, and tall tales. His camaraderie and banter with AJ was well known far and wide.
While he took up golf prior to Clinton, he would become a lifelong golfer and left a mark everywhere he played. More often than not he could be heard on the course belting out Rockin’ In the Treetops. Lifelong friends would be made including CZ who gave Don one more nickname “Little Buddy”. Don’s health would eventually take him to more of an observer role on the sidelines of the golf course.
Don will be remembered most for his sense of humor. So many friends and family have shared wonderful memories highlighting his jokester nature, their first haircut stories, singing and dancing on the golf course and so much, much more. Many notable quotes and memories have been shared but the following from Bubba aka Eric Mitchell seemed rather fitting – “Ole Fish will be Rock’n in the Tree Tops All Day Long – bringing Joy and Happiness to Everyone Up Above. Tweet Tweet Buddy!”
A Celebration of Life was held March 29, 2023 at Meadowlake Country Club, Clinton, MO. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in Vansant Road Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
