Francis H. (Frank) Bissey was born October 26, 1939, in Raton, New Mexico, to Stanley O. and Nina P. Bissey, and died Monday, November 11, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Frank was an Eagle Scout and worked summers at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico prior to graduating from high school in 1957. After high school, Frank worked part-time at White Sands while attending college in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
In 1959, Frank began working for the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad as a clerk in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Two years later, the railroad consolidated operations and moved Frank to La Junta, Colorado, where he met his future wife, Brenda Miller. They were married December 15, 1962. In 1965, a daughter, Robin Lynn (Paulson) was born, and 4 ½ years later, a son, Bradley Francis joined the family.
Frank continued working for the railroad for 33 years and lived in rail towns in New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas. In 1991, the Bissey family moved to Lawrence. He began a 13 year career with the Lawrence Paper Company as a machine operator before retiring again in 2004. Frank was an avid Jayhawks and Broncos fan. He enjoyed fishing and camping throughout his life, especially with his family.
Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Lynn, son-in-law Greg Paulson, his brother, Everett Bissey, and both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, son Bradley, and daughter-in-law Melissa. Frank will also be greatly missed by his brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may call from noon to 8 pm Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6-8 pm. Graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence on Friday morning at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Greg and Robin Paulson Memorial Scholarship at Kansas State University, or the Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. We never worked together since I was in another ATSF area at La Junta, but I knew Frank and knew him to be a fine fellow, and considered him as a good friend. May the Lord bless and keep your family.
Dear Brenda and family – I just learned of Frank’s passing. My sincere sympathy to each of you. Frank trained me on my first job at ATSF in LJ. He was so smart, and gentle also.
Thinking of your family and sending prayers during this difficult time.
Brad and Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Frank was a very sweet person. You will be in my prayers
Kim