Curtis Elbert Fleisher, 88, of Washington Courthouse, OH, passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at Court House Manor. Family and loved ones were at his side.

He was born Oct. 7, 1931 in Dry Run, WV and was the son of the late Elbert and Jennie Fleisher.  He was the third of five children.

Curtis married Janet Marie Rexrode on Mar. 31, 1956.  Their son, David, was born in 1965 when the couple lived in Millersport, OH.  The family ultimately moved to Washington Court House in 1969 when Curtis became principal at Miami Trace High School.

Curtis was a lifelong church member and was active in church leadership and activities.  At the time of his passing, he was a member at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Circleville, OH and an associate member of Fellowship Lutheran Church in Columbus.  He was a firm believer that God granted him strength, courage and endurance throughout his life.  He trusted in God's will for him, never gave up and always held tight to his faith.

He was active in many organizations throughout central Ohio.  He was an active member of the Lions Club since 1965.  He rose to the rank of District Governor, representing 53 clubs in 14 counties.  He led the fundraising efforts for the Ohio Lions headquarters building in Grove City, OH.  He was active in the Masonic Lodge most of his adult life - and served as Grand Master of the New Holland Lodge.  He was also an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Knights of the York Cross of Honour.

Curtis began his professional career after serving two years in the Army and subsequently graduating from Capital University (bachelor's degree) and The Ohio State University (master's degree).  He completed his student teaching at East High School in Columbus and taught mathematics for several years prior to becoming a school administrator.  He served as principal for several Ohio high schools prior to his move to Miami Trace High School in 1969.  He was principal at Miami Trace for 15 years, and remains that school's longest serving principal.  Although he subsequently became an insurance professional for 30 years after his 1984 retirement from Miami Trace, his passion remained with the students, former students and people of Washington Court House and Fayette County.

When anyone asked what his profession was, he would immediately reply "I was a teacher" followed by "I was a principal at Miami Trace".  He loved his community and enjoyed his memories of his tenure at the high school, keeping all 15 years of his MITRA yearbooks in his room at Court House Manor.  If a visitor indicated they had attended Miami Trace, he would immediately look them up.  He remembered more students than he forgot.

Curtis enjoyed hobbies of maintaining an annual vegetable garden and making improvements/additions to the home he and Janet shared on Rt. 22.  He loved to tinker, shop, look for new ways to do things and help David with his classic cars.  He was proud of David's musical abilities and of the people in David's life.

Curtis spoke frequently lately that he was tired and longed to be with Janet.  They were married for 61 years prior to her passing in Feb. of 2018.  He was concerned that he would soon not be around for David, but knew David's firm support structure of friends and partner will see him through.  Curtis's greatest gift to David was showing him how to meet people and how to get to know them.  With that gift, Curtis was never alone.  He truly loved people and appreciated their kindness and their thoughtfulness.

Curtis is survived by -

His son, David (Mike McKinley)

Brothers , Leon Fleisher (Macy) and Edwin Fleisher

Sister, Imogene May

Dear friend, Becky Bloomer

Many friends and extended family around the country

And his and Janet's beloved dog "Skippy".

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister, Selma Botkin.

The funeral service will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at 3:00 PM at the Summers Funeral Home with Pastor Robin Wargowsky of Fellowship Lutheran Church.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00 PM Friday until the service hour.  A Masonic service will be held at the funeral home at 12:45 PM.

Curtis will be buried alongside his wife, Janet, near both of their parents and extended family on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019 at 2:30 PM at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 12 Wildcat Drive, Franklin, WV.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 East Mount Street, Circleville, OH  43113 or Fellowship Lutheran Church, 7350 Sawmill Road, Columbus, OH  43235

Arrangements in Ohio were under the direction of the Summers Funeral Home and local arrangements are under the direction of the Kimble Funeral Home.