Donald E. Fisher

Donald E. Fisher, 99, died in his sleep on Friday, December 26, 2025, at his home in Belton, Texas.

Don was born on May 5, 1926, in Odell, Nebraska, to Florence “Flossy” Cumpston, who raised him as a single mother. Don spent his first 18 years in the small towns of Wymore and Gothenburg before eventually moving to Lincoln. He developed his incredible work ethic early, working jobs such as the family farm, a local dairy, a golf course, a mechanic’s garage, and more.

Don joined the U.S. Army in 1944 at age 18 and was sent to war in January 1945. After being wounded by two landmines in Germany in March 1945, he was sent to McCloskey General Hospital (now Teague Veterans’ Medical Center), where he met the love of his life, Estelle Liles. Don and Estelle were married on March 16, 1946.

Nine months later, their first daughter, Donna, was born. Between 1946 and 1966, Don and Estelle raised Donna and her younger sister, Melanie. The family lived at different times in Killeen, Austin, Houston, and Pasadena, Texas. Over the years, Don and Estelle ran a variety of businesses, including a dry cleaners and an appliance store (Don installed one of the first color TVs at Ft. Hood). He also worked as a traveling salesman for Joske’s department store, among other ventures.

In 1966, Don and Estelle opened their first Circle Pawn Shop in Houston and went on to open a total of 12 from 1966 to 1983. Later, in the 1980s, they developed a San Antonio-based partnership and eventually opened more than 25 Money Mart Pawn shops in and around San Antonio. Along the way, Don built lifelong friendships with business partners in both cities.

Don loved ranching, old Ford cars and trucks (especially the Model A), and traveling. He loved his family, his friends, and his work—and he was loved in return. He will be missed by many.

Don is survived by his wife, Estelle; his daughter, Melanie; his four grandsons, Jacob, Brian, Adam, and Matthew; and his four great-grandchildren, Elinor, Emily, Jasper, and Scarlett. A private service will be held at Bellwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Belton. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don’s name to the American Heart Association and/or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.