Richard Joseph Cissell

Richard Joseph “Dick” Cissell peacefully passed away at home in the company of his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy Marlene Cissell on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Born in Alton, IL on July 27th, 1928, son of Joseph Curtis Cissell and Thelma Marie (Gaffney) Cissell, preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his oldest brother, Art Cissell, sister, Mary Margaret (Cissell) Koon and son, Richard Joseph, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, son Timothy Patrick Cissell and wife Amy, their children Coleman and Caitlin, and daughter Sheri Cissell Anderson, her children Jordan, Dillon, and Claire. Also, he is survived by brother, William Cissell and wife, Elise, loving family members Bob and Betty Lumley and Jim and Shirley Vuch of St. Louis, MO and many loving nieces and nephews. Coaxed on a blind date by life-long friend, Jim Vuch to meet the younger sister of his girlfriend Shirley, Dick and Nancy fell in love and married in St. Louis, June 4th, 1949. After completing service in the National Guard, he began to work for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, where he worked for over 25 years. He continued his career at the Monumental Life Insurance Company, where he worked until he retired in 1991. In 1991, Dick and Nancy found their own heaven on earth when they moved to a little house on a lake near Durant, OK, becoming active members of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, where they co-founded Our Saviour’s Table soup kitchen in 1999. He served for many years as financial secretary for the West Bryan County Fire and Rescue Department, on the advisory board of the Bryan County Special Olympics and the advisory board of the United Way of Durant. Dick became well known as the “Popcorn Man” and greeter at the First United Bank & Trust, working there for 17 years, making many wonderful friends. Dick Cissell never met a stranger and was well-loved by the community of his friends in Durant. His many joyful pastimes included spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, fishing and playing cards, and as score-keeper, he frequently won. Services will be held on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010, 11 am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1524 West Main Street, Durant, OK 74701. Dr. John Nelsen of El Paso, TX and Pastor Dorothy Fowler of Sherman, TX will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Our Saviour’s Table in care of the church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Brown’s Funeral Service and Texoma Cremation Service are handling the arrangements. PDF Printable Version

Richard Joseph Cissell

July 27, 1925 - May 19, 2010