Frederick Yonley Fisher departed this life on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia, surrounded by members of their devoted staff.
Born October 21, 1945, to George E. Fisher and Hilda Mae Purtlebaugh Fisher in Durgon, West Virginia, which later became home to Fred for 58 years with his wife, Karen Markwood Fisher.
Together, they raised two sons, Scott Fisher (Christa) of Winchester, Virginia, and Patrick Fisher (Brian) of Golden, Colorado. They are blessed with two grandsons, Harley Fisher (Kirsten) and Wyatt Fisher (Abby) of Winchester, Virginia, and a bonus grandson Chase Corley also of Winchester, Virginia. Fred cherished fond relationships with many special nieces and nephews.
From a family of six siblings, Fred is survived by his sister, Anna Fisher Borror of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Preceding him in death were two older brothers, George W. Fisher, and William (Wimp) Fisher and two sisters Nellie Fisher George, and Hilda Fisher Sherman.
Fred was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps (Semper Fi) and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class upon graduation from Boot Camp. He served tours of duty in Spain, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico (Vieques Island), Thailand, Okinawa, and Viet Nam. Fred was honorably awarded Service, Campaign, National Defense, Expeditionary, and Good Conduct medals at the end of his military tenure. He continued with that spirit by remaining an annual member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9606, in Moorefield, West Virginia.
Following his stint in the Marine Corps, Fred worked at SCM Allied Egry in Petersburg, West Virginia, for 25 years, and was a member of Graphic Arts International Union Local 285, Washington, D.C. He later utilized his talents with construction projects at Fishers Home Improvements and Rig Assembly of God Church, where his family chose to hold his going home service.
A true outdoorsman at heart, he embraced many days and hours enjoying fishing (especially trout); hunting deer and elk in Colorado and, of course, those white tails in West Virginia.
Among his favorite outdoor adventures were hunting spring gobblers; rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and bear hunting with his beloved dogs. Fred cherished his time hunting with family and dear friends, especially the Cook family. He enjoyed canoeing on the South Branch; four-wheel trail riding with friends; and he could be found frequently at local shooting ranges honing his skills of marksmanship and assisting many friends with “sighting in” their hunting rifles.
A member of the Knights of the South Branch Valley Jousting Club, Fred (Knight of Just for Fun”) participated in ring jousting tournaments in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Ring jousting, an equestrian sport where riders gallop fast down an 80-yard track using a long, specialized lance to spear small dangling rings suspended in an archway, was a sport enjoyed by spanning generations of the Fisher family. Fred had set a standard of excellence with many championships and in recognition of outstanding achievements and service, he was inducted into the National Jousting Hall of Fame with recognition at the Natural Chimneys Regional Park in Mount Solon, Virginia., on June 20, 1989.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Pastor Brad Taylor for his years of guidance, service, and love to Fred and his family. The service will be conducted on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Rig Assembly of God Church with Pastor Taylor as officiant. Fred’s family will receive friends and family members from 12 noon till time of the service at 2:00 PM.
Military honors will be bestowed by the United States Marine Corps and Moorefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard. Interment will follow at the Lahmansville Cemetery in Lahmansville, West Virginia.
Memorial contributions in Fred’s honor, may be made to the Rig Assembly of God Church, 10 Queens Drive, Moorefield West Virginia or to The Joy House, c/o Phyllis Dolly 105 Virginia Ave, Petersburg, West Virginia.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg, West Virginia.
