Francis W. Fish

Francis William (Bill) Fish, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on December 23, 2016 at the age of 83 in his home in Bowie, Maryland.  Born in Kennet, Missouri, Bill spent his childhood living and attending school in Phelps County, Missouri.  Bill joined the US Navy in December of 1951, and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jean Jackson, in May of 1954 at Saint Clare Catholic Church in Saint Clair, Missouri. They were blessed by six children, Lyle and Gary Fish, Leona Fish Kilday, Renee Fish Medri, Elaine Fish Storm and Gwynn Fish Rydelek.  Bill proudly served his country overseas in Turkey and Italy and at home, on the USS Banner, wrapping up his Naval career with the NSA Cryptology Department 21 years later.  After leaving the Navy, he embarked on a long, successful career as a restauranteur, launching several pizza shops with his loving wife, Marilyn.  He was a beloved figure in the communities served by those shops, and the customer line went out the door most Friday nights.  Everyone wanted to talk to “Mr. Bill”.  Joining the Knights of Columbus late in life at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bowie, Maryland, he attained a Fourth Degree level and was very proud to wear the KofC colors.  As a Knight of Columbus, Bill offered up his service as a Color Guard and his food-service experience at many KofC bingo nights.  Bill is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, his children and their spouses, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   In accordance with his stated wishes, Bill has been cremated.  A requiem Mass will be held in Bowie, Maryland at a later date in 2017.