Norman Allen Fischer

Norman Allen Fischer, 84, of Hooker, Oklahoma passed away February 13, 2013 at the home after a long-term illness.

Norman was born Aug. 20, 1928, at home five miles west of Hooker, the son of Louis Friedrick and Ruth Fern Finfrock Fischer. Norman rode a pony to attend Prairie Rose country school near the family farm west of Hooker. In the mid-to-late 1930s, the family lived in Liberal and Manhattan, Kan. They returned to Hooker in 1942, where Norman graduated in 1946 from Hooker High School. After a year at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Norman attended Amarillo Business College for a semester before returning home to help his dad farm.

Norman married his sweetheart Joyce Marie Williams on July 31, 1949; they celebrated 53 years together in 2002. They farmed and reared five children: Linda, Dick, Tom, Harry and Carla. In 1982, the couple built a new home in town, where they lived until Joyce’s death in 2002.

After a few years on his own, Norman was blessed with another special partner, the widow of a lifelong friend, John Fox of Hardesty and Guymon. Norman and Ruth Costner Fox were married Feb. 13, 2005.

The Fischer Brothers farming partnership was created in 1956 by Norman, Don and Allan. When Fischer Brothers dissolved the partnership, Norman went to work with sons Dick, Tom and Harry in their Okie Acres partnership until Norman’s retirement in 2005.

Throughout his life, Norman loved working the land. He loved watching the weather, waiting on God for the rain to fall, and enjoying the beauty of sunrises and sunsets on the high plains. He served a number of years on the Texas County Irrigation Board. One avocation he enjoyed for several years was flying small airplanes, where he could see even more of creation.

Norman was a devout Christian. As a young person, he accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He enjoyed church music, was a long-time church choir singer and occasionally led congregational singing at First Baptist Church. He was a long-time deacon and was named deacon emeritus in 2004, honoring his many years of service to the church. The Baptist Student Union of Oklahoma Panhandle State University recognized him in 2001 for 22 years of faithful service as a member of the Panhandle Baptist Association committee for the BSU. He was generous with his encouragement and support of young Christians and ministers.

Norman was also a steadfast singer in barbershop quartets. He joined in 1957, and it became a family affair. Two of his son, Dick and Harry, have been active in the association. Norman was honored by the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2007 for 50 years membership. His barbershop connection gave him an opportunity to travel to conventions and events all over the country. He enjoyed travelling with Joyce and later Ruth to see friends and relatives. He was a regular at annual Fischer Family Reunions around Hudson, Kansas, gatherings of the extended family of his grandpa Fred Fischer.

Preceding Norman in death were his parents Louis and Ruth, stepmother Mary Fischer, brother Allan, wife Joyce, sister-in-law Marjorie Fischer, niece Lu Ann Fischer Miller, and brother-in-law Leland and Leanore Williams.

Norman’s surviving family is extensive. They are wife Ruth of the home. Five children Linda Fischer and Jim Armstrong of Denver, Colo.; Dick and Billye Fischer and Harry and Emilie Fischer of Hooker; Tom and Patsy Fischer of Liberal, Kan.; and Carla and Danny Thomas of Mooreland. Stepchildren Johnita and Bobby Gloden, Hough, Okla. and Mike and Lanae Fox of Weatherford, Texas. Grandchildren: Andrew Beard of New Hope, Minn., Matthew Beard of Chicago, Ill., Kevin and Rachel Armstrong and Clare Armstrong of Denver; Angela and Courtney Flanagan of Hooker, Leigh Ann and Casey King of Cheyenne, Okla; Nathan and Heather Fischer of Hiram, Ga., Aaron and Lyndsy Fischer of Warner Robins, Ga.; Julie and Shane Lehr and Anthony Jackson of Alva, Okla.; Trista, TaLisa and Tyler Fischer of Hooker; Derrick and Chesnei Thomas of Alva, Brett and LaurenThomas of Alva, Matthew Thomas of Mooreland, and Katelyn Thomas of Alva. Step-grandchildren Misty and Kyle Bartels, Hough, Okla. and Sarah, Jonathan and Haley Fox of Weatherford, Texas. Great-grandchildren: Mia Lawrence Armstrong of Denver, Gabe, Maddie and Jared Flanagan of Hooker; Caleigh and Caleb King of Cheyenne; Hunter, Chase and Chloe Fischer of Hiram, Ga.; Ryleigh, Luke and Kyle Fischer of Warner Robbins, Ga.; Endy Barraza and Chloe and London Ann Lehr of Alva, Okla.; Trace Thomas of Alva, and Baby Thomas soon to be born to Derrick and Chesnei of Alva . Step great-grandchild Seth Bartels of Hough.

Other survivors include brother Donald and Wanda and his sister-in-law Carolyn Fischer all of Hooker, brothers-in-law Allen and Elsie Williams of Elgin, Ore. and Gerald and Nancy Williams of LaCygne, Kan. Nephews and nieces and their families: Kent Fischer and Bryan Fischer of Oklahoma City, Roger and Marilyn Fischer and Fred and Anastasia Fischer of Hooker, and Willie Williams, Aladine Williams, Debra Sturdevant and Amy Debell of Elgin, Ore. and Tony Williams and Todd Williams of LaCygne, Kan. and Denise Aunko of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by many cousins and caregivers Anna Hackett, Stephanie Harness, and Carolyn Montoya.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Hooker with Brother Don Taylor and Pastor Jim Roebuck officiating. Interment will be in the Hooker Cemetery directed by Robert Brothers Funeral Home in Hooker, OK.

Memorials may be made to the Lu Ann Fischer Memorial Swimming Pool or the Baptist Children’s Home and may be left at the Roberts Brothers Funeral Home, Box 745, Hooker, Oklahoma 73945.

Condolences may be left at www.robertsbrothersfuneralhome.com