After a life of love and quiet grace, Marlyn K. Sisson, 89, has passed.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
The story begins in 1927, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Marlyn spent his working life as ['truck driver for Midwest Coast Transport'] and held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The bonds of those who served beside him are bonds that time does not loosen.
Marlyn Keith Sisson passed away peacefully Monday, November 14, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 89. Funeral services will be at 10:30am Thursday, November 17, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, Parker with burial with full military honors at Rosehill Cemetery, Parker. Visitation with family present will be from 6-8pm Wednesday evening at Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home, Parker. Marlyn was born on November 30, 1927, the eldest child of Walter (Ray) & Minnie (Schmidt) Sisson, Chancellor, SD. He graduated from Chancellor High School in 1945. After graduation he drove bus for the city of Sioux Falls until Marlyn enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 and was deployed to Korea with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Shortly after being deployed to Korea his Division was being overrun by the enemy. Marlyn volunteered to remain behind to blow up an ammunition dump when his platoon withdrew in the face of enemy attack and was captured and held by the Chinese as a prisoner of war from April 25, 1951, to August 19, 1953 until after the signing of the Armistice. Private Sisson was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity for his actions during this time in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea. After returning home, he was united in marriage to Esther Bousfield in Parker on October 18, 1953. Marlyn owned and operated Sisson Dry Cleaning in Parker for many years and later worked as a truck driver for Midwest Coast Transport. He was also a member of the Parker American Legion & VFW as well as served on the Parker Fire Department/Ambulance Service. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Parker. His greatest joy however was spending time with his family. Grateful for having shared his life are his son Dain and wife Robin of Harrisburg, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren: Joshua (Lori) Sisson of Harrisburg, SD, and their children, Parker & Paige, Justin (Amber) Sisson of Hartford, SD, and their sons, Colton & Wyatt, and Jill Sisson of Harrisburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther on April 10, 2016, a sister Judy Schriever, and a brother Ronald.
