Kisman

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Harry Thomas "Tom" Kisman, 68, of Gosnell, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 30, 2015. He was born November 30, 1946 in Billings, Montana to Harry Herman and Marion Emmergene Ottman Kisman. He married Margaret Langford on December 15, 1967.

Tom retired from the United States Air Force as an E7 Master Sergeant after almost 24 years of service. He was a graduate of the NCO Leadership Academy, and has been recommended to receive the Veteran of the Year Award in November, 2015. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a plant operator for the Blytheville Water Company.

Tom was a "Homebody -- a true Family Man." His passion was his grandchildren. He loved taking them fishing, and building things with them in his workshop. He excelled at woodworking, and he built tables, shelves, picture frames, etc., even a "Nebraska Airplane" with his grandsons. He also enjoyed yardwork. He didn't like flowers, but he kept his yard immaculate with shrubs, bushes, etc. It was always up to military specifications.

He enjoyed all kinds of food, but he especially liked a good steak cooked on his own grill. He thought it tasted better than any steak he could buy at a restaurant. Fried chicken was one of his favorites, also.

Tom was a faithful and active member of Bethany Baptist Church, where he taught the Senior Adult Sunday School Class for several years. He loved teaching that Sunday School Class. He enjoyed gospel music, his two favorite songs were "Beulah Land" and "Gentle Shepherd."

He was an amazing father and grandfather. He was a good role model to children and young people who looked up to him...He was their hero. He was an inspiration to many people. As one church friend said, "He will have many crowns in Heaven."

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lucinda Gene Burlington.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margaret Kisman of the home;

One son, Derek Kisman of Gosnell;

One daughter, Gena Kisman Howard of Gosnell;

Two sisters, Melinda Koerseghen of Oregon and Rebecca Blankenship of Bend, Or.,

Seven grandchildren and one great-grandson; and

Many, many friends who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Bethany Baptist Church in Gosnell.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Hyde officiating. Burial will be in Carney Cemetery, 1501 Byrum Rd., Blytheville. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Building Fund at Bethany Baptist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.