Wayne Franklin Fisher, age 76, was born April 14, 1943, in St Louis, Mo., to James Claude Fisher and Vera Caroline (Vollmar). He lost his father at the young age of 8. The family returned to Texas County, residing in the Raymondville and Licking area. He passed away Dec. 15, 2019, at Hickory Manor in Licking, Mo.
He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Calvin “Butch” Hassell; brothers, William C. and Jack L. Fisher; and sisters, Shirley Kleinberg and June Marie Fisher.
Wayne is survived by his brother, Richard C. Hassell of Fulton, Mo.; three daughters, Shannon McLeod (Mark) of Licking, Mo., Dawn Fisher of Bucyrus, Mo, and Jami Stockard (Dustin) of Licking, Mo.; one son, Wayne Michael of Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; six grandchildren, Alexis McLeod, Connor McLeod, Evan Fisher-Koch, Kendal Bryan, Tristen Morelan and Roston Stockard.
He loved and cherished his mom, Vera, and loved and respected his stepdad, Butch. He was especially close to his aunt, Audrey Smith, and had lots of memories of “Sleepy Hollow.” He was very close to his brother, Richard.
Wayne worked in Raymondville at the sawmill and at Rawlings in Licking, Mo., where there was never a dull moment.
Wayne had a love for riding motorcycles, and the feeling of pure freedom, also anything, Harley Davidson. For over 29 years he actively served as a sponsor, and mentor in AA in Fulton, Mo., leading many to sobriety. He spoke in meetings and conventions to encourage and save the lives of many who struggled with addictions. He celebrated 29 years sobriety and lived and breathed the AA program. He will always be known for his statements, “If you keep doing what you’re doing you’ll keep getting what you’re getting,” and “I am still above ground, and breathing on my own.”
The latter part of his life he chose to come back to Licking, Mo., to be close to his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed family time, and visiting outside, and going on walks. He enjoyed visits from friends, talking and reminiscing on past years. He loved socializing, and making people laugh and smile.
We will miss him very much and he will forever be in our hearts. There was only one Wayne Fisher.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Evans Funeral Home, Houston. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. until service time. A private family inurnment will be held at Licking Cemetery, under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
PAID