Ron Fishburn laid to rest

Funeral services were held Tuesday for Purcell civic leader and war hero Ron Fishburn.

Fishburn, 86, served three tours of duty flying helicopters in Vietnam earning seven medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit.

Fishburn rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

After his military career ended he moved back to Purcell with his wife Pat and their family.

Fishburn turned to selling real estate after he moved back home, where he graduated from high school.

Fishburn served 18 years on the Purcell City Council and served as Mayor several times. He was also very active in his church where he served as Bishop of the Noble Ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Serving in the church prompted his interest in Boy Scouts where he volunteered for over 20 years eventually acquiring the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.

He was influential in the implementation of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards for southwest Oklahoma attending the summer camp for many years.

He served as Purcell Rotary Club President and eventually was elected to a term as Rotary District Governor for southwest Oklahoma.

Fishburn was a friend to all and always told people, “Good Job!” offering his encouragement for whatever they were doing.

Fishburn continued his love of flying after his military service and taught numerous people how to fly over the years. He encouraged several others that became aviators.

Fishburn often took aerial photographs for The Purcell Register. He often would fly over and photograph events and even assisted in search and rescue.

Many people in Purcell and other communities around the state will miss him.

A complete and full obituary about Fishburn can be found on page 10B of this week’s Purcell Register.