Joseph Mark Fischer

Joseph Mark Fischer, 89, of Owensboro (formerly of Charlestown), passed away on January 1, 2024, while in the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky/The Hartford House.  Mark was born October 12, 1934, to the late Joseph William and Agnes Lucille Clark Fischer. He graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1952. He attended Brescia College, Owensboro, where he earned his bachelor's degree in accounting, graduating in 1956.  Mark was a former member of St. Michael Church/Charlestown and became a member of Lewis Lane Baptist Church/Owensboro. He was a member of the Kiwanis International, Knights of Columbus, and a Kentucky Colonel.  He also served as Chairman of the City of Charlestown Parks Board.

Growing up, Mark had many jobs that included delivering newspapers on his bicycle and groceries with his uncle.  Working into adulthood, he began his career with Whirlpool in LaPorte, Indiana (ultimately moving to Evansville). There, he worked in the International Appliance Service Division managing Inventory Control.  Upon leaving Whirlpool, he began working for Durkee Foods, in Louisville. When Durkee Foods was purchased by another company, he joined other colleagues working at C & T Refinery/C. F. Sauer in Richmond, Virginia. There, he was in sales and management for many years and remained until his retirement in October 2002.

Mark was very active volunteering while his three sons were in high school participating in football and wrestling. He never missed their games or matches. We feel confident that the high school football players at that time can remember him filming the Friday night football games, having the film processed quickly to ensure coaches could have it to review before the Monday practice.

He had a beautiful singing voice. Two of his favorite hymns to sing were Ava Maria and The Lord's Prayer. He sang both of these songs at his son's (Keith) wedding and was special. He also sang at many other weddings. Over the years, he enjoyed singing in the choir at churches he attended.  His favorite hobbies included racquetball, fishing, and flower gardening.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 53 years, Agnes Jean Johnson Fischer; children, Stephen Eric Fischer and Robert Kevin Fischer; brother, James Daniel Fischer; sister, Mary Jane Fischer Hall and infant sister, Joan Fischer.

He is survived by his wife, Bettye D. Fischer; son, Keith Fischer (Benita); daughter, Cara Whalen (Dave); daughter-in-law: Rita Fischer; 5 grandchildren: Stefan Brafford (Debra), Kyrie Maloy (Jake), Kelsey Whalen, Jennifer Fischer Knight (Jonathan), Stephanie Fischer Rush (Austin), 8 great-grandchildren: Lana, Cooper, McKenzie, Clayton, Calvin, Lily, Coleson and Andrew.  Mark is also survived by his brother, Earl Fischer (Paula), along with many nieces and nephews.

Also, surviving him are stepsons: Todd Reynolds (Debbie), Brad Reynolds (Tammy Brandle), and Bryan Reynolds (Julie Crowe); nine step-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, and 3 step great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 10 at Grayson Funeral Home, Charlestown. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and conclude at 2:00 p.m. Burial at Charlestown Cemetery will follow the service.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Christmas with a Cop/Charlestown Police Department; or WHAS Crusade for Children. Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting: https://www.graysonfuneralhomes.com/