06/14/2026
May he rest in peace. Howard was a Higginsville Chamber of Commerce member, committee member, committee chair, board member, board president, WAFB Base Community Council member and BCC Chamber liaison over a span of many years.
Howard Nelson Fisher, 102, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Meyer Care Center. He was born on Sunday, September 2, 1923, in Gilliam, Missouri, to the late Aubrey Fisher and the late Verna (Hannah) Fisher.
He married Evelyn (Fizer) Fisher in 1948, and from this union two children were born. A still born infant daughter, Patricia, in 1950, and another daughter Susan. Evelyn preceded him in death in 1952 due to childbirth complications. He later married Mary (Hoefer) Fisher on November 4, 1955 and from this union one son was born, Zane Fisher. Mary Louise preceded him in death on December 29, 2017.
Howard proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of World War II. He then served as a Reservist and assisted with ferrying aircraft during the Korean War. Howard began his career with Citizens Telephone Company in 1955 and dedicated nearly four decades to the company before retiring as President in 1993. Even in retirement, he continued serving as the Chairman of the Board until 2020.
He was an active member of Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville and was deeply involved in his community. Howard was a member of the Lafayette County Gun Club, served as Chairman of the Board at the John Knox Village East, was a longtime member of the Higginsville Rotary Club, was a board member and Past President of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, and was also a board member and Past President of the Higginsville Chamber of Commerce. He served as a board member and was an advocate and supporter of Christian children’s homes throughout the state.
Howard had a love for travel and adventure. He and Mary Louise were members of the Wally Byam Airstream International and traveled the country in their Airstream travel trailer. He especially enjoyed spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks at Standing Rock Campground where he and several close family friends spent many happy summers. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Howard embraced opportunities to grow, explore, and connect with others throughout his life. After retirement, Howard went back to college to continue educating himself and learning.
Surviving are one daughter Susan (Wayne) Smith of Odessa, MO: one son, Zane (Carrie) Fisher of New Orleans, LA; two sisters, Kathryn Ann Hannaford of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Marideen Farrell of Marshall, MO; and three grandchildren, Laura Fisher, Charles Fisher, and Sara Tunnell. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Evelyn Fisher; one infant daughter, Patricia Fisher, and his second wife, Mary Louise Fisher;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ, 1500 N. Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Andy Mockridge officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Salem Cemetery, Higginsville. Casket bearers: Sara Tunnell, Mike Hannaford, Ken Gassen, Jeff Kirchhoff, Tim Larimore, Kurt Lorenz, David Reed, Dan Rumsey.
Memorials may be made to the Conservation Federation of Missouri or Salem United Church of Christ.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
