Maynard Lee Sisler

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Kennett, Mo.

Maynard Lee Sisler, MD, FACP, of Kennett, Mo., died peacefully in his sleep on March 7, 2012, at Heritage Nursing Center. He was 88 years old. An amazing individual, Maynard was an editor, writer and poet, a historian, a physician, an officer and gentleman. He is remembered for his intelligence, wit and charm, and for his genuine delight in others, his warmth and kindness, and his ability to bring out the best in people.

Maynard served in the United States Navy for over 20 years, attaining the rank of captain. His distinguished military career included a tour of duty in the south Pacific during World War II and many battlefield honors of valor including the Freedom Foundation Medal and the Bronze Star.

After graduating from Northwestern University in Illinois, Maynard began his lifelong career of service as a medical doctor. He treated scores of families through multiple generations in the 40 years he practiced medicine in Missouri, and continued working as a physician until he was well into his 80s. He practiced medicine for over 50 years, and his stellar career included serving as chief of staff and director of medicine at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center. He influenced an entire generation of doctors and nurses with his skill, wisdom and guidance.

Maynard was predeceased by his parents, George Turner Sisler and Audrey Athey Sisler; brothers, George, Charles (Bill), Bennett, Norman and Jack; wife Sandra; stepdaughter Kimberly; and stepniece Tracy Johnson.

The patriarch of two families, one by birth and one by marriage, Maynard is survived by his sister-in-law and her husband, Pat and Wincel Beggs; sister-in-law and husband, Diane and Kenneth Johnson; sister-in-law Tammy Byrd; brother-in-law, Mark Nolen; sister-in-law and husband, Norma and Pete Jellen; daughter and husband, Suzanne and Carey Ramsey of Lexington, N.C.; daughter Judy Pedro of El Cerrito, Calif.; daughter and husband Kathleen and Steen Soffer of Monroe Township, N.J.; daughter and husband Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) and Mark Moura of Broomfield, Colo.; son Maynard (Tad) Sisler and fiancee Robin Dugan of Cardiff, Calif.; daughter and husband, Leandra and Kevin Ashburn of St. John's, Fla.; grandchildren, Charles, Lori, Michael, Wendy, Abraham, Brian, Jennifer, Michael, Yash, Lucas, David, James, Shana, Regina, Kevin, Rachel, Maynard (Taddy), Caroline and Isabell; stepnieces and nephews, Charles (Chuck), Rondal (Ronnie), Wincel, Ken, Chad, Devin, Daniel, and Holly; 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held from noon until 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at McDaniel Funeral Service in Kennett, Mo. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. at McDaniel Chapel and burial was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Reverends Dale Rickman, Jim Pemberton and Ron Donovin officiated.

Maynard was a Naval hero, a great American, an excellent friend, a fabulous father, a wonderful grandfather, an outstanding uncle and one of the finest men to walk this earth. We will love and remember you always!

Pallbearers were Charles Bulla, Wincel Beggs, Mark Nolen, Ken Johnson, Matt Howard, Devin Fisher, Daniel Fisher and Jim Herron.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the medical community.