Allen J. Joe Fisher

Through his intellectual abilities and talents, many hobbies and vast interests, family was by far Joe Fishers greatest joy. In them he found those who knew and loved him best, and through the years he shared memorable and unforgettable times with them by his side. Joe lived and loved life to his fullest potential. He savored much, enjoyed the company of good friends, and served his community well. Although he will be deeply missed, the memories Joe leaves behind are a one-of-a-kind legacy to be forever treasured.

Born on May 4, 1937, Allen J. Joe Fishers birth was a most welcome event in the lives of his parents, Walter J. and Lucille (Metzger) Fisher of Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was an eventful year altogether in the nation as The Golden Gate Bridge was brought to completion in San Francisco, California. Aviation pioneer Amelia Earharts disappearance that year continues to remain a mystery and the explosion of the Hindenburg marked the end of the airship era. Although life continued to be a struggle for families, the repercussions of the Great Depression were slowly coming to an end and hope was on the horizon.

Joe was later joined by his younger sister, Ann in Fort Wayne where his family made their home. Yet when his baby sister was born, Joe was certain he wanted to trade her in for a neighbors little red wagon! He became interested in trains by watching them run through his grandfathers farm at a young age, and they truly intrigued him. A likable young boy, Joes talent shone bright from his earliest years. His mother was convinced he was born to be an engineer when she gave four year old Joe an alarm clock which he then proceeded to take apart and put together again. His music teacher even paid a personal visit to their home to let Joes parents know that he really needed to play the saxophone because he showed real talent. Since the 8th grade, Joe began playing his saxophone in dance bands and he also won many awards in state competitions for his talent.

Having attended the local Fort Wayne schools, Joe graduated from North Side High School with the Class of 1955. He then went on to further his education at Purdue and ITT where in time he obtained his Associates Degree.

Throughout this time in Joes life he met Carol Humphrey. They were married in 1958 and to their union they shared the love of two wonderful children, Walter and Edith whom Joe dearly loved. Despite having a young family to raise Joe felt the call to duty. From 1959 to 1966, Joe proudly served his country in the Indiana Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserve. During his time as a member of the Indiana Air National Guard, Joe was deployed to France during the Berlin Crisis with the U.S. Air Force. While based in France, he served as a supply clerk. Although the extra income was beneficial, Joe supported his growing family working as a design engineer for Navistar in Fort Wayne for over 36 years. He loved his work, the challenge that went along with it and the gratification he gleaned from it.

Although divorced in 1984, love was not lost for Joe. Before long he met and began dating Sandra DenUyl and on March 19, 1988 they shared vows of marriage. With four children of her own, their families blended well. Joe particularly took to his stepdaughters rat terrier, Bayley and he even taught his parents parakeet, Peppy to whistle along with the song flute.

In 1990 Joe and Sandra took a cruise to the eastern Caribbean which they truly loved. Following his retirement in 1993 from Navistar, he and Sandra moved to Englewood, Florida and enjoyed all the time they spent there with their many good friends. While in Englewood they attended Community Presbyterian Church. When they returned to Indiana in 2015 making Columbia City their home, they began attending Columbia City United Methodist Church. In addition to his church memberships, Joe was a member of the American Legion Post #47 and was both a Mason and Shriner in Fort Wayne.

Over the years Joe had many interesting hobbies. His love for model trains never waned, and he was into gems, minerals and fossils. From telescopes to airplanes; watches, clocks, and photography, Joe put his all and then some into everything he did. However, his number one hobby continued to be his music and playing in big bands whenever he could. Along with his affinity for western movies and his love for the sounds of swing and big bands, Joe was most likely the only person ever known to have read every owners manual he owned, front to back and actually remembered their contents!

For these things and so much more, Joe will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for his know how, abilities and talents. Most importantly, he leaves behind fond remembrances of a man who lived doing what he knew best, fully and completely at every opportunity.

Allen J. Joe Fisher, age 78, of Columbia City, IN passed away, with his wife by his side, at 8:39 a.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, IN. Survivors include his loving wife of 28 years, Sandra Fisher of Columbia City; children: Walter C. (Janet) Fisher of Fort Wayne and Edith Fisher of Kalamazoo, MI; stepchildren: Dirk (Jamie) DenUyl of Fort Wayne, Devin DenUyl of Atlanta, GA, and Darcy (Eric) Scott of Columbia City; grandchildren: Walter J. (Karen) Fisher and Michael (Pam) Fisher, both of Fort Wayne and Carol Zombro of Kalamazoo, MI; step-grandchildren: Reed Scott and Tatum Scott, both of Columbia City. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Walter J. and Lucille Fisher; sister, Ann Byrer; and stepdaughter, Dr. J. Dawn Mercedes. A memorial service for Joe will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 15, 2016 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling one hour prior. Burial will take place at a later date in Eddy Cemetery, Hamilton, IN. Memorial contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign Joes online guest register, to send a condolence and to share a favorite memory of him.