Jan. 21, 1931 — March 2, 2015

Leon W. Fisher, 84, of Niles, Michigan died at 3:15 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2015, with his family gathered around his bedside at Lakeland Hospital – Niles. His death was unexpected, but of natural causes.

He was born on Jan. 21, 1931, in Niles to Leo A. and Wilma R. (Vogelsang) Fisher. He was graduated from Niles High School, and enlisted in the United States Army. After a year of service, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve and served in the Michigan National Guard 246th Armored Division for over ten years. In Niles, he served the Niles City Fire Department for 28 years, retiring as a Captain, and served the Niles Community Schools as a bus driver for 25 years.

Lonnie was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles, where he also served as an usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #708, B. P. O. of Niles Elks #1322, a member and past president of the Niles Lions Club, and a former member of the American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan. He volunteered with the local Habitat for Humanity and had served on its board, and volunteered with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.

He could often be seen at Niles High School Athletic events, serving as the scorekeeper for twenty-four years for the girls basketball and boys basketball teams, and the girls softball team, including the 2009 State Champion team. He enjoyed gardening and fishing, bowling and golfing on area leagues, and all things related to the University of Notre Dame.

On Oct. 17, 1953, in Niles he married the former Eleanor D. Smith with whom he celebrated last year the Sixty-first anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Eleanor Fisher and their children, Thomas L. (Carrie) Fisher, David L. Fisher, and Cynthia K. Fisher, all of Niles; grandchildren Fawn Fisher, Cricket (Josh) Nelson, Lea (Tad) Germann, Tyler Fisher, Echo Fisher, Connor Fisher, and Marc Fisher; great-grandchildren Ben, Cal and Noelle; and Lonnie’s sister, Virginia Fisher of Niles and several nieces and nephews of three generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sisters, Dorothy Hicks and Mary Magin and brothers Robert Fisher and Paul Fisher.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Leon Fisher will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Alphonse Savarimuthu, MSFS of the parish. Committal Rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 p.m. at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with an Honor Guard of the Niles Fire Department, and recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Lonnie may be made to the Niles High School Athletic Department.

www.halbritterfunerals.com