W. Keith Fisher

William Keith Fisher, 97, of Columbus, OH passed away January 14, 2016, at Friendship Village Retirement Home. Keith was born February 27, 1918 in Muncie, IN.

He was the son of the late Chester Paul and Amelia Lucille Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Isabelle Laura Wills Fisher; daughter, Nancy Maria Fisher Potenza; son, James Timothy Fisher; and his sister, Betty Kathleen Fisher Drayer.

Keith was a 1935 graduate of Eaton High School, Eaton IN.

He graduated with a B.A. degree in Education, specializing in Music, from Ball State Teachers College.

From 1939 to 1940, he was employed as a music instructor for Lawrence County, OH where he met his wife.

From 1941 to 1945, he served in WW II, as a member of the US Army 4th, 5th, 8th, and 12th Armored Divisions.

He played in the US Army Band, both solo and concert, and was engaged in two major campaigns.

Upon his return from European Theater, he was employed for five years as the Ironton H.S. band director and music supervisor for the Ironton City Schools, Ironton OH.

He continued his education at the Cincinnati Conservatory, the University of Michigan, and Ohio University.

From 1951 to 1983, he was employed by Ashland Oil Inc., mainly as a Credit Manager.

He also studied at Dartmouth College and taught at Franklin University.

In his early years in Ironton, Keith was instrumental in organizing the Ironton Male Chorus and was the Chorus's first director, as well as the director of the First Methodist Church Choir.

He was very active as member of the Ironton Kiwanis Club and president of Ironton Tiger Clan.

Keith was a lover of life and his family.

He spent his life sharing his love of music and thirst for knowledge and technology with friends and family.

He did it quietly, mostly anonymously, never looking for recognition. At the same time he filled each day with the enjoyment of music, researching the genealogy of his and his wife's families, teaching others on the recorder and bells, watching any and all sports on TV, and voracious reading.

Keith was a true patriarch, a role model and inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children Kirsten (Neal) Jolly of Marianna FL; William (Edith) Fisher, Jr. of Colorado Springs CO; Susan and Lewis (Will) Coppel, Jr. of New Albany, OH; John Fisher of Columbus, OH; Dianne and Don Mincey of Tampa, FL; and by his son-in-law, Anthony Potenza of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sheila Roberts (Jason), Chris Clevenger, Greg Jolly (Donna), Amanda Jolly, Anthony Potenza, Jr., Ashley Potenza, Stephanie Fisher, William Fisher III (Randi), Justin Coppel, Jesse Coppel (Andria), Cody Coppel, Michael Coppel (Abby), Tracie Fisher, Carrie Freshour (Brian), John Chester (J.C.) Fisher, Tyler Mincey, and Rachel Mincey. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Roberts, Taylor Roberts, Kyrra Clevenger, Josie Clevenger, Cole Clevenger, Lauren Clevenger, Marie Jolly, Preston Potenza, Gavin Potenza, Kenzie Fisher, Kolton Fisher, Oliver Freshour, and Elliot Freshour.

Friends may call at Newcomer Funeral Home, NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 5-8pm and on Friday from 11am until time of service at 12pm with Doug Nault officiating.

Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Columbus, OH.