David R. Fisher

David R. Fisher, 79, of Richland, died January 7, 2026. David was born March 23, 1946 in Detroit, MI to Russel and Olive (Bilyea) Fisher. He married the former Janet Coolman in 1967. Two short years later David enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War, from 1969-1970. After his time in the service, David went on to work for the federal government in Detroit with the Corps of Engineers. He then got a promotion and worked at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. His next promotion took him to Washington D.C. in the Department of the Navy. He would later return to Fort Benjamin Harrison again before getting another promotion in the Corps of Engineers as head of personnel in Omaha, NE. His career then took him to Huntsville, AL as the Deputy Director of Redstone Arsenal. It was in 1985 when David moved back to Battle Creek and the Federal Center where he was the Director of Personnel of D.R.M.S., later moving to D.L.S., where he retired.

David could only stay retired for 4 days as he went to work for Miller College. In 2012 he would retire a second time, attaining the title of Dean and Head of Business School. David also gave a lot of his time to volunteer work. He volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Battle Creek, Boy Scouts and was President of the Federal Credit Union in Battle Creek. He coached little league in Alabama, junior hockey in Indianapolis and soccer in Battle Creek.

David was an avid golfer in his younger years. He also enjoyed bowling and running. Throughout his life, he, along with his wife Janet, attended and were involved with many churches in the area. He served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher.

David is survived by his loving wife, Janet; their three children, Christopher D. (Gaylynn) Fisher, Autumn D. Fisher and Matthew D. (MaKenzie) Fisher and grandchildren, Brighid, Bowen, Lia, Gabbie, Oliver and Judah. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia J. Aprahamian.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.