Donald Fisher, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on August 10, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the North Hills Joint School System in 1949.

On September 10, 1952, Donald married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Shepfer, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and built a life rooted in family, service, and community. Shortly after their marriage, Donald and Nancy made Central Florida their home.

Donald graduated from Florida Southern College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences. He was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, an honorary scholastic fraternity, and served as a 1st lieutenant in the ROTC. Following graduation, he entered the United States Army as a commissioned officer and served as a unit tank commander in the 2nd Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served on active duty until 1957 and remained in the reserves until 1963.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Donald moved his family to Auburndale, Florida, where he began a long and meaningful career in education. From 1958 to 1988, he taught math and civics at Auburndale Junior High School and also coached golf and football. Through his years as an educator and coach, he touched the lives of many students and athletes.

Donald was an avid golfer, having learned the game from his grandfather as a child. He passed that love of golf on to his two sons, including his youngest son, who also became an avid and competitive golfer. Upon their retirement, Donald and Nancy moved to North Carolina for several years before ultimately returning to Lakeland, Florida, to be closer to their family.

Donald continued to play golf as long as his health allowed and also worked part time at Huntington Hills Golf Club, where he and Nancy lived. His remaining years revolved around family, friends, golf, and church.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his country, and the many lives he touched through teaching, coaching, and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy, in 2018. He is survived by his sons, Donald Reed Fisher (Betty) and Mark Bradley Fisher (Tami); grandchildren, Donald Lewis Fisher (Janna) and Angela Carey (Joe); and great-grandchildren, Aaralyn, Elise, Lilah, Simeon, Jonas, Mildred, Gwendolyn, and Evelyn.