Van William (Bill) Fischer

Van William (Bill) Fischer was born Feb. 23, 1938, to Walter and Marie (Gorrell) Fischer in Smithville, Ill. He went to school K-12 in Pierce City; graduating in 1956. He played football for Coach "Poss" Jackson all four years. He met the love of his life, Jackie Sue Pierce, in grade school, and they were united in marriage on May 3, 1958; and spent 59 years together. To this marriage, four children were born: Julie "Fischer" Morrison and husband, John; Debbie "Fischer" Osterloh Williams and husband, Ed; Penny "Fischer" Graves and husband, Richard; and the late William "Billy" V. Fischer; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Mickey Fischer; and a sister, Nancy Henderson and husband, Keith.
 
He served 20 years in the Air Force and was a Vietnam Vet. Upon retirement, he spent many years as a brick and stone mason. He helped build the flooded mine at Silver Dollar City and the Battlefield Mall in Springfield. He did masonry on the Masonic Lodge that was taken down in the tornado of 2003. He was a member of the American Legion Post of Pierce City where he served as past commander. He was a member of Decatur Lodge #400 in Pierce City and also a member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple in Springfield where he belonged to the Shrine Clown Unit, joining in 1983.
 
Preceding him in death his parents, Walter and Marie Fischer; his wife, Jackie Sue Fischer; his son, Billy Fischer; and his dog, Little Brownie.
 
The family received friends at Lakin Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 30, and a Masonic Service followed.
 
Burial, with Military Honors, was at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Haven of the Ozarks" in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City.