Bernard M. "Bernie" Fisher

Bernard M. (Bernie) Fisher, age 93, of St. Petersburg, FL entered the heavenly kingdom on May 28, 2014. He was born August 4, 1920 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Gordon G. and Bessie Palmer Fisher. He attended Arsenal Tech High School. Bernie proudly served his country during WW II in the Pacific Islands in the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart for combat wounds in Cape Gloucester, New Britain. After the war, Bernie returned home joined his father and brother, Delmar, in business at G.G. Fisher’s Garage specializing in towing and auto body repair. He worked there for 38 years becoming General Manager and Sole Owner. Fisher’s Garage became a Sponsor of the Indianapolis Police Motorcycle Drill Team resulting in a life-long affiliation. After selling his business, Bernie was a car salesman at Callahan Ford and Pearson Ford winning many sales awards. Bernie married Viginia Rigsby in 1947. They had two children. Bernie enjoyed sharing time with his family, especially on Sunday afternoon outings for dinner and “a ride”. The family enjoyed going to Victory Field to see the Indianapolis Indiana play baseball, watching dance recitals and Little League baseball game, playing Euchre, and road trips to visit the grandparents and other family. In 1982, Bernie retired to St. Petersburg, Florida where he enjoyed being closer to his sister, Jeanne and her family, Euchre Clubs, and the warm Florida winters. He was a member of the St. Petersburg Shrine Club serving as both Vice-President and President. In recent years, Bernie resided at the Community Living Center (CLC) at Bay Pines VA Medical Center. He was happy there living among other veterans with assistance from dedicated and caring staff. Bernie participated actively in many of the Recreation programs, including crafts, games, balloon volleyball, and his most favorite, BINGO. He is well known there for his handmade wooden clocks that he personalized for family and friends across the country. Bernie is a Life Member of Brookside Masonic Lodge #720, Murat Shrine, Scottish Rite, DAV, VFW, and Purple Heart. In 2005, he was named an Honorary Deputy chief of the Indianapolis Police Department. Bernie is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Michael) Carter, son Skip (Kristen) Fisher, sister, Jeanne Hamilton, three grandchildren, Brandon Kyle (Susan), Alyssa, and Ashley Fisher, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by brothers, Gordon Jr., Delmar, and William, nephew Delmar Jr. and former wife, Virginia. Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon at Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, 5377 E. Washington St.

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Bernard M. "Bernie" Fisher

August 4, 1920 - May 28, 2014