On January 13, 1947, Joseph Earl Fisher, Sr. was born in Chicago, Illinois to Johnnie B. Fisher and Emma Margaret Brown.

At a young age, the family relocated and settled in Topeka, Kansas. He attended Monroe Grade School, Crane Jr. High, and Highland Park High School. While in high school, he participated in track and field, played in the band, sang in the choir and also recorded a song in Latin.

His relationship with God began at an early age, by attending worship services with his mother at Lane Chapel. As a young boy, he accepted Christ and joined the fellowship of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. He participated in the Boy Scouts under the direction of his father and Rev. William Clark. Singing was another way he was able to minister and share the love of Christ. He directed and sang in numerous choirs; the Mission Choir, the Family Choir, and the Men’s Chorus. He also sang with a few groups; “Fisher’s of Men”, which was comprised of his family, “Just Gospel”, “Righteous Soul”, and “The Four Fishermen”.

He enlisted in the US Marine Corps, on February 28, 1966 and was discharged in 1968. He served in the Vietnam War, as a Rifleman. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was united in holy matrimony, to Rose Marie Goodwin, in Topeka, Kansas in 1968. To this union, five children were born; Lisa Cohen (Bobby), Tonya Fisher, Joseph Fisher, Jr. (Octavia), Rebecca Doby (Justinn), and Rachel Fisher. There are four grandchildren; Emari Doby, Xavier Fisher, Justinn Doby, Jr. (J.J.), and Rylee Doby, who all called him “Boppy”. He loved his family, with all that he had.

He faithfully served, as a Deacon for 22 years. He and his wife coordinated the Mount Carmel Community Feed for eight years along with many faithful servants. He also organized Tent Meetings every year. He served as the Vice-Chair of the Building Fund, and organized many fundraisers, which included musicals, auctions, and fish fry’s.

Affectionately known as Joe, his mission in life was to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; the Great Commission, Matthew 28: 18-20. In 2000, he accepted a higher calling of preaching the Gospel. He was later ordained on December 31, 2003, by Pastor W.L. Templeton. He had a passion for counseling inmates and teaching the Word of God at the Topeka Correctional Facility. He enjoyed visiting the elderly in nursing homes, where he sang and taught the Word of God. He was a dedicated teacher in the Sunday School department.

He loved to serve people, in every capacity. Joe especially loved to see children having fun. He coordinated picnics, carnivals, and fishing derbies. He believed that you have to reach out to people on their level and that if you show love, they’ll come. He worked with community organizations such as “Safe Streets” and so many others. Joe loved to fish and loved to teach children how to fish. He was also well known for his work behind the “grill”. A noted grill master, Joe won a few cooking competitions, and most recently, was given the “People’s Choice” award for his stuffed sausage.

Throughout his life, he openly expressed his love for the Lord, Mount Carmel, his family and his friends. Always having a smile and a firm handshake, he was known by so many in the community. In 2015, he led Mount Carmel as the Interim Pastor, until God called his servant home.

Joe gained employment at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1968. He began his career as a warehouseman, and then was selected to work with the security guard team. He was later promoted to the rank of “Chief”. Due to reorganization at Goodyear, Joe accepted a position in management, as a “benefits administrator”, assisting associates with insurance and benefits. After the insurance position was phased out, Joe returned to the warehouse, to finish his career. After having shoulder surgery, he retired with 39 years of service.

He is preceded in death, by his parents, brother Johnny, and infant brother and sister. He leaves to cherish his memory: his helpmate Rose, of 48 years, of Topeka; four daughters (2 son in-laws); one son (1 daughter in-law), 4 grandchildren; two Aunts, LaFrances Marshall of Topeka, KS and Evelyn Fisher, of Ozawkie, Kansas; three step sisters, Sharon, Betty, and Sue; a step brother George; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other relatives.

Joe wore many hats. He was a devoted husband, a loving father aka “Pops,” a brother, a friend, and the Interim Pastor at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, to many that loved him dearly. The name that Joe was looking most forward to hearing was being called a servant.

On May 1, 2016, Joe received that call,
Well done, thou good and faithful servant……
As we reflect on our own lives, we need to ask ourselves,
WILL WE RECEIVE THAT CALL???

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