Clarence ‘Doc’ Fisher

Clarence Leroy Fisher HMC/FMF/USN/RET, quietly passed away Aug. 17, 2021, at 6:32 p.m. at his home in Winterset,after a long hard battle with COPD.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Fisher; mother, Norma Fisher; brothers, Ray, Bud and Edward.

He is survived by his wife, Misti Fisher; ex-wife, Kim Fisher of 29 years; sister, LeAnn Fisher (Starman) and husband, Scott, her sons, Bobby and William Mumford; his daughter, Dawn, her three children, Justin, Trevor and Shawneesha (11 great grandchildren); son, Michael and wife, Pauline and three children, Vincent, Theodore and Little Clarence; son, Robert his four children, Jeramy, Madison, Bryden and Emerson (1 great grandchild); son, Jeramy and wife Renee three children, Emily, Lily and Luke; step children, Tshanta Spencer (Caleb), Victoria Brammer, Jerimy Waltz, Tiyanna Waltz and Charlee Craig.

Where does one start to tell about the amazing life of Chief Doc Fisher. At 16, he left home and worked construction until he turned 17. At that point, he was able to talk his mother into signing paperwork allowing him to join the United States Navy. After boot camp at Naval Training Center San Diego, California, he was sent to the Naval Hospital Corps School. After a tour at Naval Hospital Balboa, it was off to Field Medical Service School at Marine Corps Base Camp, Pendleton. We will skip forward to 1982 as an HM1 stationed at 3rd Medical Battalion Camp Hansen where he started to coach the All Marine Soccer Team. That Marine soccer team was legendary with Coach Fisher at the helm, they went undefeated for 3 years. Traveling all over the Pacific on C-130′s to play against all military teams and civilian teams in some cases professional Japanese teams that were brought in to defeat them with no luck. Doc Fish always had an eye for talent.

After being selected to the Rank of Chief Petty Officer E7 while on Okinawa and a 3 year tour in Hawaii, he was transferred to the Des Moines Military Entrance Processing Station MEPS as the Leading Chief Petty Officer of the Medical Department. This final assignment or duty station would close out his 24 years of Distinguished Service. The MEPS would also be the start of his next career as a civil service worker, where for the next 20 years every applicant from every branch of service from the state of Iowa came through for their complete medical physical. Mr. Fisher now, but still called Chief or Doc by most who knew him, had become subject matter expert of every facet of the regulations that govern the physical examination program for acceptance into the United States Armed Forces. Every Branch has its own needs and waiver-able conditions. In September of 2015, he once again retired with a distinguished record receiving many awards and accolades over his 20 years at the MEPS.

Those who were fortunate enough to become friends with Fish, can attest to his devotion to friends, his love for family, his love for his Marines, his love for riding his Harley and his love of bass fishing. He sure loved music, especially the blues. Anytime Steeley Dan was on he had to turn it up, Doc Fish loved him some Deacon Blues. Boy what would he give for one more, when Josie comes home? Doc sure loved life. He loved every minute of it, that’s why he fought so hard for every breath, just one more ride with his Brothers of the Marine MC. He was a member since 2011. One more ride with Rider, Nasty, Big Doc, just 1 hour of wind therapy? He loved to ride even with oxygen hooked up. He will sure be missed by the many Marines who grew to love him like a father and a brother, but most as a friend. He was the one guy that would always answer the phone. Everyone needs a Doc Fish in their life. That go to guy.

Christmas will never be the same, Dad sure loved Christmas, he used to say, I want a big Christmas with lots of presents because I never got anything at Christmas when I was a kid. We always had the best Christmas and Easters. He wasn’t even a religious person. Just wanted the best for us. To his sons he will always be remembered as a great provider and a great role model. Even realizing the errors he made early on and trying to help us so we did not make the same mistakes, he tried to patch things up along the way. He finally began to tell his grown sons he loved them when he was 47 years old but still never kissed them. He was raised in a different era, when handshakes goodnight was how he sent his sons to bed. His biggest lament was the relationship with his only daughter Dawn, it was hard to be an active parent from the other side of the planet he once said. By the time he returned to the States the damage was never able to be repaired. He always had lessons for us, that’s one. Never get comfortable being away from family. When you get older you always wish your kids had never left home.

It’s hard to some up such an interesting life in a few short paragraphs. We hope this gives some closure and peace of mind to all who knew him. We know there are so many left with an empty space in their heart that was once filled with that presence of Clarence Doc Fisher. The world will sure seem a bit odd for some of us. Least for a little bit. Until we pick up and move forward. Just like the Marines say, Forward... March! Thanks for the memories Dad, Chief, Doc, Coach you will sure be missed. Semper Fi.

On behalf of the Fisher family and Docs extended family we want to thank everyone for the kind messages and thoughtful prayers.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 10, 2021 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Doc’s wishes were to be cremated and a portion painted into the Freedom Rock in Greenfield.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.