Donald Lee Fisher's Obituary
Donald Lee Fisher, 89, of Arma, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026.
Don was born on September 4, 1936, in Arma, Kansas, to Ed and Pearl Fisher. He was born at the family homestead, a place he cherished and proudly called home throughout his entire life.
Don attended Arma High School before joining the Army National Guard and beginning his career in construction. His first job in the trade was a laborer on the construction of the Southwestern Bell Telephone building. It didn't take long for the job superintendent to recognize Don's exceptional work ethic and natural talent. Encouraging him to learn a skilled trade, he inspired Don to pursue brick masonry. Don moved to Wichita, where he attended bricklaying school at night while serving his apprenticeship during the day with a variety of contractors. What began as an opportunity soon became a lifelong passion. He was a proud member of the Kansas City Bricklayers Union for 68 years.
Brick masonry was far more than a profession to Don; it was an art. A perfectionist by nature, he believed in taking great pride in his work and never settling for anything less than excellence. As a masonry foreman for Coonrod and Associates, Don's commitment to quality craftsmanship set him apart. He earned the distinction of being the first masonry foreman to complete a job with no punch list – a rare accomplishment meaning upon final inspection, there were no corrections that needed to be made. This achievement reflected Don’s meticulous workmanship, precision, and the pride he took in doing every job right the first time.
Don especially loved building fireplaces because it allowed him to combine his craftsmanship with creativity. One of his favorite projects featured building a waterfall directly into the fireplace. His greatest masterpiece, however, was the stunning twelve-sided dual stone fireplace in his own home. Never one to settle for good enough, Don went to Arkansas for two weeks to hand select stones with 30-degree angles so each side would fit perfectly to avoid any vertical mortar joints. This was a reflection of the pride, patience, and uncompromising attention to detail that defined both his work and his character. Don’s work became so well known that people referred to him as “The Legend”.
When Don wasn't laying brick, he could be found farming. Over the years, he purchased several farms and became one of the first farmers in the four state area to grow alfalfa hay. Always willing to embrace innovation, he was also among the first to own a baler capable of producing 3x4x8 foot square bales. The machine's ability to cut the hay into two-inch strips made it especially desirable to dairy farmers, allowing Don to market his alfalfa as far away as Florida.
Don loved raising cattle. In his younger years, it wasn't uncommon to see him riding horseback across the pasture, cowboy hat on his head and rope in hand, chasing after a calf. He often said, "You show me one rich plowboy, and I'll show you ten rich cowboys," a saying that reflected his lifelong belief that cattle and hay, not row crops, were the keys to a successful farm. Farming wasn't simply another occupation for Don; it was a way of life that he loved every bit as much as laying brick.
Don was a natural storyteller who had a remarkable gift for making people laugh. He never met a stranger who wasn't worth sharing a story or a joke with, and he delighted in bringing smiles to those around him. Whether he was visiting with family, chatting with friends, or striking up a conversation with someone he had just met, Don always seemed to have the perfect story or joke ready to tell.
Don is survived by his children, J.D. (Analuna), Julie (Chris), and Jason; and his four grandchildren, Jade, Lexi, Ellie, and Topher. He is also survived by his niece Janet (Mark), his great-nephew Josh, and his great-niece Jaren.
Don married the love of his life, Jeanette Conrad on April 24, 1959. She preceded him in death in April. Don was also preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Pearl; his son, Jeffrey; his brother, Bob; and his sister, Goldie.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SEK Humane Society.
Don will be remembered for his integrity, strength, and his extraordinary work ethic. He took pride in his work, found joy in making others laugh, and lived a life defined by perseverance, generosity, and love for his family. The buildings he bricked, the land he cared for, and the countless lives he touched stand as lasting reminders of a life well lived. Though he will be deeply missed, his stories, his laughter, and the example he set will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.
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