Lambert J. Zissa

Lambert Joe Zissa, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away the evening of Thursday, December 3rd, 2020, at the age of 94. He passed while under care at Mercy Hospital surrounded by family. Lambert Zissa is the husband of the late Ernestine Nesloney Zissa.

Lambert J. Zissa was born March 15, 1926 on a farm outside of Shiner, TX. He was son of the late John Joe Zissa of Shiner, TX, and Francis Caka of Praha, TX. Lambert attended Prairie View Common School in Dewitt County near Yokum, TX. He attended high school at St. Joseph Catholic Highschool and graduated May 21, 1944. He went directly from high school to serving active duty in the United States Navy during World War II, from June 22, 1944 to June 3, 1946. In August 1949 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Texas College of Arts and Industries, now Texan A and M University, in Kingsville, TX. He went on to receive his Master of Science from Texas A and I in August 1955. Throughout his career he enjoyed many jobs. Some of which included a high school science and math teacher, football coach, bus driver, teaching agriculture to veterans, and working for Farmers Insurance. He worked for Farmers Insurance for the majority of his career where he achieved a distinguished level of training earning his CLU in insurance. He also received many other awards for professionalism and thoroughness in accomplishing all duties. After taking on different positions in Texas, Farmers Insurance made a decision to permanently move him to their home office in Los Angeles, CA. While there he headed up the development of policy and training manuals for the company.

Lambert Zissa was a proud veteran. Being a part of the greatest generation was something he held as great badge of honor. Lambert is remembered for being very organized and meticulous as well as being very strong. After being diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 1990 and given a 17% chance of survival he managed to beat cancer and live many more years. He lived his life with great honesty, dignity and integrity. If Lambert said it, you could be assured it was true and accurate. He many times spoke of his admiration for the Ten Commandments and how he kept these as the focus for how he lived his life. He was an avid gardener, and also enjoyed watching sports with his wife. He was very talented at making bar-b-que and will always be remembered for his amazing ribs. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and was always joyful at an occasion to spend time with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Lambert Zissa was married to Ernestine Nesloney Zissa of Orange Grove, TX, on October 10, 1950 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Orange Grove, TX. Lambert Zissa is survived by his sons Gaylon Zissa of Oklahoma City, OK and wife Kim Ann Zissa, Gary Zissa of San Luis Obispo, CA, his daughter Arlene Ashmore of Oklahoma City, OK and husband Dr. Glenn Ashmore. He is survived by 5 grandchildren: Casey Ashmore of San Diego, CA, Travis Zissa of Edmond, OK, Katharine Cody Dunnington of Oklahoma City, OK, Katy Zissa Helfer of Oklahoma City, OK and Alex Zissa of San Luis Obispo, CA, and 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Helen Zissa Plasczyk of Gretna, LA, and Amalia Zissa Kneifel of Pipe Creek, TX. In addition to his wife, he is also preceded in death by his three brothers: Joe Zissa of Yokum Tx, John Zissa of Shiner, TX, and Alfons Zissa of Houston, TX.