GORDON BISSELL
May 1, 1929 ~ February 13, 2017
Beloved husband, father, papa, and longtime Battle Ground, WA resident, Gordon Bissell, 87, passed away on Feb. 13, 2017, with his family by his side. Born in Torrington, WY to Ben and Alice Bissell, he spent most of his youth in the Pacific Northwest playing football or farming any chance he could.
Gordon married his ultimate sweetheart, Joan Sharp in 1951, in Lincoln, NE.
He was proud to serve his country in the Korean War as a clerk and a medic.
After graduating from University of Nebraska in 1958 with degrees in Agriculture and Education, he dedicated his life to teaching agriculture, farming, and educating young people.
Gordon enjoyed spending time with family,
neighbors, and welcoming visitors,
whether it was to church or home for lunch.
His passion for farming, machinery, and especially tractors, continued into his retirement years and one could see Gordon farming or even plowing snow for his neighborhood until just a few years ago.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Joan Bissell; their eight children and spouses, Lee and Janet Bissell, Lewis and Conni Bissell, Linda and Tom Hickerson, Laurie and Lou Roosma, Lisa and Bob Paulson, Larry Bissell and Robin Jackson, Lavonne Bissell and Lou Urrutia, Lafe and Rebecca Bissell; 17 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 p.m. on March 4, 2017 at Heubach Chapel, University Church, 212 SW 4th St., College Place, WA 99324.
Donations in Gordon Bissell's memory may be made to his favorite charity, Gospel Outreach, P.O. Box 8, College Place, WA 99324. Condolences and memories may be sent to Joan Bissell, c/o Laurie Roosma, 840 Mission Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362.
To leave a condolence online visit:
www.munsellerhodes.com and www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Mr.Bissell was one of my favorite teachers at Lewisville Intermediate. I don't know how many swats he gave me, but they made me a better person.
Patrick Armstrong
March 6, 2017
Mr. Bissell was my 6th grade teacher, way, way back in the day. I still speak of him often with much fondness. He was the best teacher ever. Rest in peace Mr. Bissell, you were a true blessing to many.
Tanna Torres
March 6, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. I hayed with Gordon for a few years when he had is house and fields in Battleground WA. He was always willing to let me use his skid steer to load round bails of hay onto the trailer he let me use to haul them home. At times Gordon would call me asking me to come over an help with a project or "exercise" my Aussie's when the geese were in his clover fields. Gordon enjoyed showing me his tractors, implements, and calves. I was sad when he moved to Walla Walla a few years ago. Gordon was one of the good guys. Always willing to help or do a favor. Gordon will be greatly missed.
Bob Pedrin
March 1, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to you all during this time. Cindy Buck (Roy)
March 1, 2017
Bissell family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss of your dearly loved one Gordon. May you continue to cherish the fond memories you shared with him. And may the God of comfort, comfort your family at this most difficult time in your family's life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
C R
February 28, 2017
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