Earl Clifford Wisler
1927 - 2021
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Earl Clifford Wisler October 27, 1927 – November 21, 2021
Earl Clifford “Cliff” Wisler, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend to so many, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2021, at the age of 94. He rests at Bethany Cemetery in Bethany, OK, alongside his parents.
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Earl was a lifelong learner with a deep love of books, chess, and the game of Go. He delighted in any thoughtful conversation and could hold his own in discussions on nearly any subject.
During his service in the U.S. Army, Earl was stationed in Alaska, where much of his work was classified. He took great pride in the house he and his fellow servicemen built during their time there—an accomplishment he remembered fondly throughout his life.
After completing his service, Earl graduated from the University of Oklahoma and began his career in geophysics with Geophysical Service Incorporated (later Texas Instruments) in Dallas. Working at the forefront of marine geophysics, he contributed to pioneering methods of mapping the ocean floor. He was especially proud of his role in the award winning paper “Water Reverberations: Their Nature and Elimination,” authored by Dr. Milo Backus III, who credited Earl with developing the method of deconvolution used to filter wave interference in underwater imaging.
Though his career offered opportunities to move elsewhere for greater financial reward, Earl chose to remain in Dallas to stay close to family. He mentored his nephews Gary and David, and the three shared memorable summer vacations together for many years.
When Texas Instruments sought employees with the aptitude to become early computer programmers, Earl was selected to make the transition. He excelled in the new field and became a mentor to many.
Earl took early retirement from TI in 1983 and returned to his roots in geophysics, consulting in Houston for nine years before retiring to Plano in 1992. There, he renewed his close relationship with his nephews Gary and David and became a devoted great uncle to David’s children, Lilli and Alan. He built a wide circle of friends in Plano and became a familiar face at Tony’s Café, where he visited most every day, often twice a day. Earl cherished his weekly Go games with friends Murphy and Dave.
He was also a daily presence at the Life Care Center of Plano, visiting his father, Charles. In time, Earl moved there himself. Even after losing his sight and hearing, he continued to study science, especially climate change, through books on tape, a testament to his enduring curiosity.
He lived a simple, frugal life marked by loyalty and quiet wisdom.
He is survived by his brother Charles; niece Karen Collins-Eiland; nephews David (Melanie), Chuck Boyle (Deona), and James (Miya). He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Racille Boyle and Bob, and his nephews Gary and Wayne Boyle.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the devoted health care workers at the Life Care Center of Plano, and to his dear friend Michael O’Brien, whose steadfast support and immeasurable help meant so much to Earl and to the family.
Earl will be remembered for his generosity, his mentorship, and the steadfast love he shared with family and friends.
Contributions may be made in Earl's memory to the Museum of Contemporary Visual Art, 1201 E 15th St, Plano TX 75074 (214) 773-5696 (mocva.org)
Earl Clifford “Cliff” Wisler, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend to so many, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2021, at the age of 94. He rests at Bethany Cemetery in Bethany, OK, alongside his parents.
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Earl was a lifelong learner with a deep love of books, chess, and the game of Go. He delighted in any thoughtful conversation and could hold his own in discussions on nearly any subject.
During his service in the U.S. Army, Earl was stationed in Alaska, where much of his work was classified. He took great pride in the house he and his fellow servicemen built during their time there—an accomplishment he remembered fondly throughout his life.
After completing his service, Earl graduated from the University of Oklahoma and began his career in geophysics with Geophysical Service Incorporated (later Texas Instruments) in Dallas. Working at the forefront of marine geophysics, he contributed to pioneering methods of mapping the ocean floor. He was especially proud of his role in the award winning paper “Water Reverberations: Their Nature and Elimination,” authored by Dr. Milo Backus III, who credited Earl with developing the method of deconvolution used to filter wave interference in underwater imaging.
Though his career offered opportunities to move elsewhere for greater financial reward, Earl chose to remain in Dallas to stay close to family. He mentored his nephews Gary and David, and the three shared memorable summer vacations together for many years.
When Texas Instruments sought employees with the aptitude to become early computer programmers, Earl was selected to make the transition. He excelled in the new field and became a mentor to many.
Earl took early retirement from TI in 1983 and returned to his roots in geophysics, consulting in Houston for nine years before retiring to Plano in 1992. There, he renewed his close relationship with his nephews Gary and David and became a devoted great uncle to David’s children, Lilli and Alan. He built a wide circle of friends in Plano and became a familiar face at Tony’s Café, where he visited most every day, often twice a day. Earl cherished his weekly Go games with friends Murphy and Dave.
He was also a daily presence at the Life Care Center of Plano, visiting his father, Charles. In time, Earl moved there himself. Even after losing his sight and hearing, he continued to study science, especially climate change, through books on tape, a testament to his enduring curiosity.
He lived a simple, frugal life marked by loyalty and quiet wisdom.
He is survived by his brother Charles; niece Karen Collins-Eiland; nephews David (Melanie), Chuck Boyle (Deona), and James (Miya). He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Racille Boyle and Bob, and his nephews Gary and Wayne Boyle.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the devoted health care workers at the Life Care Center of Plano, and to his dear friend Michael O’Brien, whose steadfast support and immeasurable help meant so much to Earl and to the family.
Earl will be remembered for his generosity, his mentorship, and the steadfast love he shared with family and friends.
Contributions may be made in Earl's memory to the Museum of Contemporary Visual Art, 1201 E 15th St, Plano TX 75074 (214) 773-5696 (mocva.org)
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