Richard Wayne “Rick” Fischer, 66 of Memphis, passed away last Thursday night at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.
Rick was raised in Luray, Missouri. He was a proud graduate of both Wyaconda C-1 in 1976 and Iowa Weslyan University in 1981. But of course, Rick is best known for being an original on-air talent when a new 3000-watt station, 96.7 KMEM-FM, first took to the airwaves on March 29th, 1982. Rick was a fixture at KMEM for over 35 years, retiring in December of 2017 as News and Programming Director. He was well-known for hosting KMEM’s Coffee Break program as well as his many live broadcasts from all sorts of community events. It was even rumored that he had a very close relationship with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Throughout the early days of KMEM, Rick was the faithful wingman to News Director Jim Sears. The two had a very close bond. In fact, Jim was best man at Rick’s wedding. The two were the identity of the station during that period. Around that same time, Rick was also well-known as a part of the popular DJ service the “KMEM Music Men”. Maybe more well-known was the satin embroidered jacket that Rick loved to wear at those events.
Rick was always full of life advice, and one particular piece of advice that he loved to dispense was “Enjoy the little things in life… one day you’ll look back and realize that they were the big things!” Rick was often asked to speak at graduations or community events. Upon those occasions, he was fond of using his favorite quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” He always told people that his goal was to live his life as an example for others. He believed in treating everyone equally without judgement. His greatest ambition was to be remembered not as a celebrity, but as a loving family man who cared about people both young and old. Rick lived his life by that philosophy, and in his truly humble manner, never realized just how well he had achieved that goal. He had a tremendous impact upon all the lives he touched throughout his lifetime and will be sorely missed.
Rick was preceded in death by the love of his life, Teresa on June 18th, 2019. He is survived by his twin brother Ron and wife Debbie of Kirksville, and their daughters Nakeya Steele, Nolea Giering, and Norenda Butler-Langley; step-daughter Pam Jensen and husband Wes of Bloomfield; two grandsons- Marcus and wife Dakota Jenkins-Bissell of Moulton and Matt Jenkins and significant other Cassie Short of Bloomfield. Eight great-grandchildren also survive.
Per Rick’s wishes, his body has been donated to science and there will be no services. Memorials in Rick’s honor may be made to the Memphis Community Players.
