Ray L. Sisson

Ray L Sisson, born April 24,1934, began his journey to eternal life on February 15, 2022. Ray was born in Pueblo Colorado, of the loving union of his parents William F. Sisson and Lillie May Hall. After 2 years apart Ray has again joined his wife of 80 years, Dixie Lee Sisson, the one true love of his life. His songs of love for her heralding his coming.

Ray came from humble beginnings. Raised during the strife of the great depression his hard-working parents would raise Ray and his eleven siblings in a loving Christian family. Rays mother was a minister so the teachings of Jesus were always on full display. They would teach them the value of an education, hard work, personal responsibility and the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the one true savior. Music filled the Sisson house as they gathered regularly to strum their guitars and sing out the old Western songs and gospel hymns.

Ray worked hard at bettering his situation. He did not let his humble beginnings define him. In high school Ray would always challenge himself with a song and a smile. He would be a top performer in his studies and as an athlete as well, even becoming the Quarterback of the football team. Ray would garner the nick name of Lil’ Abner as testament to his kind, good hearted honest ways. This desire to do well and to help others along the way lead Ray onto the path of becoming an Electrical Engineer and then into teaching and higher education where he felt he could impact people in the most positive way.

One fateful day Ray and a number of his friends saw a few of the local girls from across a field. It was love at the first sight of Dixie. Ray stated then and there “I’m going to marry that girl.” And pursue her he did, marrying Dixie McConnell on October 5, 1952.

Ray joined the Navy immediately after being married with the plan of serving his country and taking advantage of the GI Bill as a way to accomplish his desire for a higher education.

Ray’s legacy at the Pueblo University of Southern Colorado is something he and his family are incredibly proud of. From incoming Engineering student, to teacher at the Pueblo College; Ray would stay at this institution as it changed to Southern Colorado State College and then with his help, it became the University of Southern Colorado. 36 years in education and 23 as Dean of Engineering would become his legacy. He was very proud of all the students he helped find their dreams though education.

At retirement Ray would devote his attentions to The Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, becoming the resident historian and writing the definitive history book on the Pueblo Army Airbase.

Ray was also a proud and productive member of the Republican Party being a founding member of the Pueblo Pachyderms, serving as President of the group on more that one occasion.

Ray’s real legacy is with the family he built. Ray provided the template to his children on how to live life as a good person. His Christian upbringing was always on display and he showed his family exactly how to live life with honesty, integrity, humility and love. Ray is survived by his children Mark Sisson and his wife Jung Ho Lee, Bryan Sisson and his wife Laura D. Rising, Tass Annasue Sisson; Grandchildren Tjenuvial Shoe, Zachery A. Sisson and his wife Dennelle E. Sisson; Great-grandchildren Zoey A. Sisson, Violet Ray Sisson (children of Zachery and Dennelle). Ray is also survived by his big sister and lifelong protector, Caroline Elizabeth Sisson.

Ray is preceded in death by so many cherished family members: Loving wife Dixie Lee Sisson; Mother and Father, Lillie May Hall and William F. Sisson; Brothers and sisters, Nova B. Lack, Mildred V. Sailsbery, Paul E. Sisson, Joice Norman/ Anderson, William F. Sisson Jr, Bartley B. Sisson, Wilber Sisson, Henry Sisson, Teddy V. Sisson, Tad Sisson; And Many Nieces and Nephews.

As the song goes, “we will all meet again, at the Eastern Gate…”