Laurence Fisher

FAIRVIEW - Laurence Earl Fisher, 95, of 475 W. Main, Fairview, passed away at 2:39 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, at Graham Hospital in Canton.

Born in Banner Township, Fulton County, Ill., on Sept. 5, 1912, to Jesse E. and Stella M. (Lane) Fisher, he married Martha J. Wilson on Jan. 11, 1950, in Fairview. She died Nov. 11, 1997.

Surviving are one daughter, Dr. Susan J. Fisher (and her husband, Dr. Carl Thomas) of San Francisco, Calif.; and two grandchildren, Molly Fisher Thomas and Katherine Fisher Thomas, both of San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. Fisher received his B.S. degree in mining engineering and took graduate courses in structural engineering. He was a registered mining engineer, registered structural engineer and certified mine manager.

He was a World War II veteran, serving four years as a Navy engineering officer.

He practiced professional engineering for 43 years. In addition to his Navy service, he spent three years as a state and federal highway structural engineer and 35 years as an engineer in metal and coal mining, retiring Sept. 1, 1978, as chief engineer with United Freeman Mining Corp.

He was a member of the Fairview Reformed Church.

Mr. Fisher expresses his appreciation to individuals who played influential roles in his life: his mother, who encouraged him to go to college; his wife, who was always there when he needed her; Professor A.S. Walter, who guided him during the early phases of his mining career; and Mr. Robert F. Donaldson, an outstanding gentleman for whom he worked during the last nine years of his career.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of ashes will be at a later date in Fairview Cemetery. Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home, Canton, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences can be sent to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Fisher's memory should be sent to the Fulton County Chapter of the Spoon River Hospice Association.