Raymond Reiswig
Raymond Leroy Reiswig, 93, of Kingfisher, passed away peacefully Dec. 24, 2019.
He was the epitome of success as described by Bessie Anderson Stanley in 1904:
“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration and whose memory a benediction.”
Raymond was born March 23, 1926, to Ida Eberhardt Reiswig and Ruben Joseph Reiswig on a farm located northwest of Omega. He was the oldest of four children.
As a young boy his family moved to Kingfi sher where he worked at the local Texaco station on weekends and in the summer. In May of 1944 he graduated from Kingfisher High School and joined the Navy.
He bravely fought in World War II as a gunnery sailor aboard the Destroyer USS Ross DD563.
Following the war, Raymond returned to Kingfi sher to marry Charlene Rose Gender. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just one month before Charlene passed away in June 2017.
A pillar of the community, Raymond was Postmaster in Kingfisher for 31 years and served as president of the Central District of Postmasters. He has been a member of The American Legion since 1945 and was elected commander in 1963. He also served as the local Lions Club president.
Raymond had a positive outlook on life for 93 years. Even in the months leading up to his death, when you asked him how he was doing he would reply, “Just dang near perfect.”
He was sharp-witted, told great jokes and was one lucky card player.
He was loved by all from neighbors, their children, and their grandchildren, to hospice workers, caretakers, friends and anyone he came in contact with.
Raymond was a master woodworker and enjoyed making beautiful rocking horses for his own family and friends. He also built and gave away over 50 doll houses to his grandchildren and friends throughout the community.
In the later years of his life, he was always working on a dollhouse. Never accepting payment, he made sure any little girl he came in contact with who needed one, received one.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 70 years, Charlene Rose Reiswig of Kingfi sher and brother Bill Reiswig of El Reno.
Survivors include two sons, Dennis Ray Reiswig and wife Denise Lash Reis-wig of Huntsville, Texas, and Kevin Lee Reiswig and partner Steve Breedon of Tulsa; two granddaughters, Heather Tessman and husband Paul of Montgomery, Texas, and Alicia Westfall and husband Austin West-fall of Kyle, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Bella Gwendolyn Tessman, Kenna Grace Tessman, Charlie Ray Tessman, Asher Raymond Westfall and Ander Wilson Westfall; brother Kenneth Reiswig of Wichita Falls, Texas; sister Veta Mae Miller of Stockbridge, Ga; and brother-in-law Charles Gender of Kingfi sher.
Our family would like to thank Patty Haffey for her years of friendship and her love and care of Raymond during his last months and final days. The visits from her children and grandchildren always brought a smile to Raymond’s face.
Our sincerest gratitude to Tammy Jones for her years of love and service caring for Charlene and Raymond. Without you, neither of them could have stayed in the comfort of their own home. Our family can never thank you enough for all you have done.
I’ll never forget what my dad said to me one morning when we were there visiting. He was awake and sitting on the edge of the bed so I went in and sat down beside him.
At this time his dementia was progressing rapidly, but he still knew I was his son. I asked him how he was doing. He replied:
“Dennis, this stuff can get me so depressed, but I am not going to complain and I will take it like a man.”
I already knew my dad was a brave man from what he endured in the war, but to be aware that you are losing your memory and memories and to not let it get you down is remarkably brave. That’s just the kind of man my dad was. A hero of the truest kind. Honest, brave, and strong despite what lies ahead.
My prayer is we all can be as courageous as Raymond as we progress through life’s trials and tribulations and that we can do so remembering the smile of a hero.
A graveside service is planned for Raymond and Charlene. Details will be announced at a later date.