Gene Philip Fisher

Gene Philip Fisher, 91, passed peacefully to his Eternal Heavenly Home, on September 26, 2018. Gene was born in New Castle, Indiana on September 25, 1927. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents, Clarence W. Fisher and Mary M. (Hermes) Fisher. Gene’s siblings include a brother, Robert William Fisher and sister, Betty (Garcia) Domescik, who both preceded him in death. Gene spent the majority of his youth in Fairmont City, Illinois. Upon graduating from East St. Louis High School, he served in the United States Army, and shortly after, began his career with Sears Roebuck, where he was employed until his retirement. Gene enjoyed his career with Sears and his competitive nature and God-given love of people, helped him achieve top sales awards throughout the St Louis area. Gene loved Sears because he met his wife, the love of his life, Ruth C. (Blazier) Fisher, there. She was the payroll accountant and Gene always teased, she fell in love with him because she saw his paychecks!

They had two daughters, Deborah (Debby) L. Fisher of Dwight IL and Drinda K. (Fisher) Laxton, spouse: Thomas of Bloomington IL. Debby has 2 daughters, Lauren Ruth (Fisher) Watts, spouse: Jacob of Dwight, who has blessed Gene with 4 great grandchildren—3 girls and one boy, and Bethany Joy Fisher, also of Dwight. Drinda and Tom have a son, Ben Laxton, Spouse: Andrea (Rouch) Laxton of New York City, and one daughter, Victoria Ruth Laxton, of St Louis MO.

Gene’s greatest passions were his family and serving his Lord and Savior at Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville, IL. He was a charter member of the church and served as a Deacon and as the Director of Sunday School for over 40 years. His tenure as Director ended with a special celebration of “Gene Fisher Day.” Gene was also very musical and sang in the church choir. Gene and Ruth were married on April 30, 1950. Gene was a Master Mason of East St. Louis Lodge No. 504.

Visitation for Gene will be held at Meadow Heights Baptist Church, 1498 Vandalia St., Collinsville IL, from 9:30 to 11:00am on Monday, October 1st. Funeral services will be held at the same location, to begin at 11:00 am. Immediately following the funeral service, Gene will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Gardens, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial contributions be made to Meadow Heights Baptist Church or Christian Activity Center, 540 N 6th St, East St Louis, IL 62201 (Gene Fisher Memorial on memo line) or Horizon International, 350 JH Walker Dr., Pendleton IN 46064-8730.