John Warren "Pappy" Fischer, 79, Former Vermilion Fire Chief and WW II Veteran
John Warren "Pappy" Fisher, age 79, of Vermilion, died Friday, March 7, 2003 at Grace Hospital in Amherst following a lengthy illness. He was born on December 21, 1923 in Vermilion, Ohio and remained a life-long resident.
Mr. Fischer retired from the Plumber's and Steamfitter's Union Local 42 and the City of Vermilion having attained the position of Fire Chief. He was recently presented an award for his life long commitment and support to the Vermilion Fire Department. He served with the Merchant Marines during World War II sailing on Liberty ships bringing prisoners of war home.
Fischer was a lifetime member of the Vermilion American Legion Post # 397, AMVET's Post # 22 and Vermilion Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7576. He was a 53-year member of the Ely Masonic Lodge Post # 424, he was also a member of Vermilion Fish and Game Association, Buckeye Mariner's Association and served several terms as President and Vice President of the North Central Firefighter's Association.
His life long commitment to the community was reflected in volunteering in innumerable community projects including fundraising efforts to establish a hospital in the area, Fire Department projects, and serving as town historian. He was a collector of antique fire articles, Civil War items, black powder firearms, and historical Vermilion photos. He enjoyed wood crafting, gardening, and fishing and was an avid reader.
Survivors include his sons, John and his wife Char Fischer of Amherst, Wayne and wife Susan Fischer of Vermilion, Dean and wife Joyce Fischer of Elyria, and Bart and his wife Jenny Fischer of Birmingham, a daughter Dawn Fischer and her husband Craig Lake of Aberdeen, Maryland, a stepson Jerry Fleming, two stepdaughters, Patty James and Deborah McDougal all of Vermilion, 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, sister Mary Jane "Bitsy" Laucaitis of Lorain, life long Friend, Joan Fischer, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen (Jones-Flemming) Fischer in 2000, his parents Fred and Hattie (nee Johnson) Fischer, brother Frederick Fischer, sister Bernice Koachway, and a granddaughter Allison Clark.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 10, 2003 from 7-9 at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct a veteran service at 7:00 pm.
Services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 11:00 am at the Riddle Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Kennison, from Adoration Assembly in Milan officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Adoration Assembly Building Fund "In memory of John W. Fischer" P.O. Box 429 Milan, OH 44814.