Lionel Darrell Fischer, 86

A memorial service for Lionel Darrell Fischer, 86, of Ava, was held April 30, 2018, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava with Pastor Neal Crum officiating. Because Mr. Fischer loved red clothing and this service was a celebration of his life, those attending were encouraged to wear red or other brightly colored clothing. Mr. Fischer died April 24 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center in Ava.
He was born July 22, 1931, at his family’s home in a holler near Huntington, West Virginia, the son of Earl and Marcella Marie Lester Fischer. He married Joanie McGurrin on July 14, 1951. He was a Navy Reservist during the Korean War and an apprentice with Cincinnati Milling Machine, now Cincinnati Millicron. After accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, both he and his wife left his apprenticeship behind to spread the Lord’s gospel to the Chinese people. The Fischers were Independant Baptist missionaries who, with their family, spent 20 years in Taiwan, where three of the churches he founded are still growing and sending their own missionaries to other countries. They are Grace Baptist Tabernacle in Nan Gong, Taichung Baptist Tabernacle in Taichung and TyPing Baptist Church in TyPing. He spoke fluent Mandarin and Taiwanese, an ususual accomplishment for a western missionary.
He is survived by his wife, Joanie; a son, James Fischer and wife Peggy of South Bend, Indiana; two daughters, Cynthia Fischer of Norwood, Ohio, and Connie Fischer of Ava, formerly of Gainesville; 10 grandchildren: Joshua Gillis, Tamara Marshall, Benjamin Nichols, Nathan Nichols, Seth Nichols, Elijah Nichols, Hannah Fischer, Joel Fischer and Luke Fischer; four great-grandchildren, Stephen Marshall, Kylie Marshall, Rebecca Marshall and Mason Nichols; one sister, Linda Froehlich and husband Ben of Lebanon, Ohio; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a 15-year-old grandson, Isaac Nichols.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bread Upon the Water Gospel Tract Ministry to continue Mr. Fischer’s ministry in Taiwan. Online condolences may be expressed at clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.  
 

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