Leo Fish

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Leo John Fish, age 71, of Joplin, Mo. passed away at 1:48 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at his home following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. Leo was born June 8, 1944 in Lakeside Arizona to Donald and Aretta Fish. He attended Brigham Young University, where he was a member of the football team. He received his Bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Nevada in Reno. Following college, he taught high school in Mesa, Arizona. He later co-owned Old West Homes Construction Co. and his family resided in Gilbert, Arizona. He moved to Joplin in 1981 and owned Timberidge Living Center from 1983-2002. He received his Master’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Social Work and worked as a Counselor with the LDS Social Services until his retirement.

Leo was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served as Bishop in Gilbert, Az. and in Joplin. He loved serving the youth of the Church. He served in the Oklahoma City Temple as a Temple worker, a Temple sealer and in the Temple Presidency until his health declined in 2010.

Leo married Evalee Gifford Sept. 2, 1964 at the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple and she survives. Additional survivors include three daughters, Stephanie Whatcott and husband Brett, Ft. Smith, Ar., Melanie Belnap and husband Dan, Joplin, and Laura Young and husband James, Rockford, Mi., two sons, Aaron Fish and wife AnaLee, Rexburg, Id., and Nathan Fish and wife Jessica, Houston, Tx. one brother, Norris Fish and wife Carol, Scottsdale, Az., a sister in law, Georgia Fish Henrichsen and husband Rusty, Oregon, 19 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Don Ray Fish.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 22nd. and Indiana. Burial will follow at the Osborne Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Mortuary and 9:00-9:45 a.m. Monday at the Church. Memorial contributions are requested to the LDS Humanitarian Fund in care of the mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.