Alton William Fisher

Alton William Fisher, 82, of Rowena, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his family after a 13 year battle with cancer.

He was born December 8, 1930 in Rowena, Texas to Alfred and Christina (Jansa) Fisher.
During the Korean War from 1948 to 1952, he honorably served his country in the Air Force. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 1600th Motor Vehicle Squadron, Bomb and Ammunitions Division where he loaded and unloaded bombs and ammunition on the Korean shores. Stateside he transported ammunitions while based at Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado. Alton married Mary Bubenik on July 9, 1955 in Rowena. She preceded him in death May 5, 1993. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena.

Alton began his life in the cotton industry at the age of 12, when he helped on the press after school. He helped manage and run Runnels County Gin with his father for many years before he became the owner operator. He retired from the ginning business in 1997 and turned to his love for stock farming and ranching. Alton was involved in many worthwhile activities in the community. He was not only a charter member of the Rowena Volunteer Fire Department; he was a fire fighting instructor in San Angelo and College Station and he participated and helped with many Hill Country Firefighters Association Conventions. Alton was a lifetime member of the Rowena VFW, and was a member of the Rowena branch of the Herman Sons and for nearly 20 years where he worked the dances and helped take care of the ODHS Hall. He received his 60 year pen in December 2012. He also had membership in the SPJST, Catholic Life, and the Crossroads Gun Club. As a member of the Texas Cotton Ginners Association, he enjoyed going to the association’s conventions, which he and his father had attended together since 1953. He also enjoyed dominoes, dancing, and going to the farm to “talk to his steers.”

Alton was blessed to have a second love in his life. Dad and Mary Lou Sublett had 19 years together, taking care of each other, dancing, and playing dominoes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary; son, Sam Fisher; and sister, Dorothy Talamantes.

Alton is survived by three sons, Alan Fisher, Glen Fisher both of Rowena , and Frank Fisher and wife, Donna, of Ballinger; daughter, Marla Sklenarik and husband, Paul, of Miles; grandchildren, Regan Fisher and Danielle Fisher; and brother-in-law, Ruben Talamantes, Sr. Also surviving is Mary Lou Sublett and her family, including Becky Garrett and husband, Kelly, Stephen Sublett and wife Liz, Paul Sublett Jr. and wife Penny, and grandchildren; Becca Gray and husband Jared , Drew Wilson, Johnny, Jennifer, Clifton, and Jeremy Sublett. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Rosary will be recited Tuesday, April 23, at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 24 at 10:00 am also at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family expresses sincere thanks to Ballinger Home Health and Hospice; and to Dr. McCeaver, Dr. Cummings, Dr. McIver, and Dr. Sherrod.