Howard W. Kissler

Howard W. Kissler died September 12, 2011 in Lakewood, Wash., surrounded by his family.

He was born in Odessa on November 20, 1950, the fourth of five boys, to Fred and Clara Kissler. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1970.

He grew up on the farm, which raised grain, cattle and horses. He then worked on a ranch at Marlin, which he managed for several years. After that, he took up trucking and stayed with it, working for several companies. He had worked for Prax Air Distribution since 1984.

Howard married Terry, and they lived in Odessa from 1975 to 1983, at which time they separated. They had two children, Jeff and Tiffany. In 1985 he married Debbie, who brought Jana and Danny to the family. Ariana was born in 1987 and Amalie in 1994.

In May of 2011, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. He continued to work until Labor Day, when he entered St. Clair Hospital where he died a week later. His memorial service was held in Rainier View Christian Church in Tacoma on September 17.

Howard was baptized in the United Congregational Church as an infant and confirmed on April 11, 1965.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.

He is survived by his wife Debbie; children Jeff, Jana, Tiffany, Danny, Ariana and Amalie; granddaughter Rhiannon; brothers Robert of Odessa, Albert of East Wenatchee and Charles of Kennewick, plus numerous other relatives.