Donald Howard Sissom, 70, of Houston, Texas, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 after a courageous battle with a rare and disabling disease.
During the over six years he suffered, Don was an inspiration to his loved ones and caretakers as he fought with great dignity.
Our hearts are deeply grieved but we take comfort in knowing his lifetime of generosity and good deeds are overshadowed by the amazing grace and love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Carolyn; daughter, Shanna Sissom, of Midland, Texas; daughter, Kelly and son-in-law Chris Bonaventure, of Baton Rouge, La.; a sister, Dorothy Bost, of Kennett, and grandchildren Mason, Brooke and Colin Bonaventure.
Born to Athalee and Curtis Sissom on May 1, 1939 in Kennett, Don is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Marshall and Curtis Jr.
A native of Kennett, Don graduated from Caruth High School and attended Arkansas State University before beginning his lifetime career in the transportation industry, including the last six years of his career with ExxonMobile in Houston as the terminal coordinator for North America. He previously served as traffic manager of North America for Allied Chemical in Baton Rouge, where his children were born and reared.
Don served as chairman of the board for Eastgate Ministries, Inc. until 2006 and was promoted to honorary chairman of the board at that time.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett, where a celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Marvin Barham, of Little Rock, Ark, officiating.
Interment will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Kennett.