Jack Sisson

Jack Ulness Sisson was born in Cloverdale, Indiana, on May 30, 1922, to Sivert Ulness Sisson and Maud Ethel Young Sisson, and was one of eight children. He grew up on a farm near Cleves, Ohio, where he rode his pony often. After a prolonged illness, Jack left us on December 4, 2010, to be with God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Growing up, the Sisson home in Ohio was filled with music and poetry. The girls played the piano, and the boys played woodwind instruments. Jack fondly recalled receiving three dollars for playing his saxophone and clarinet with a band when he was 15 years old. This was the beginning of a lifelong musically-oriented career, during which he played with several bands of the "Big Bands" forties style. He continued to perform professionally until 2000. Jack graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music with a master of Music Education degree in 1950. He married Dorothy Helen Hager in 1948, and they moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1950. There he began his teaching career at the Edmond Public Schools, starting with band students of fifth grade level through high school. In 1956 Jack left the Edmond Public Schools to become band director for Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma). In 1969 he was elevated to Music Department chairman and served in that position until 1979. He continued as a woodwind instructor until his retirement in 1984. Jack received a Doctor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1969. He was a member of the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, the Oklahoma Music Education Association, Phi Beta Mu music fraternity, Oklahoma Adjudicators. He was awarded the University of Central Oklahoma Band Director Emeritus Award. He was inducted into the OBA Hall of Fame and the OMEA Hall of Fame. After his retirement, Dr. Sisson returned to his childhood dream of owning and raising horses on his farm east of Edmond. Jack is survived by his wife, Dorothy Helen Hager Sisson; and two children: Linda Beth Sisson Fieth and Byron David Sisson and his wife, LeAnna. His grandchildren are: Cory Punto and her husband Russell, Seth Fieth, Dylan Fieth, Elizabeth Sisson, Megan Sisson, Emma Sisson, Lance Sisson, and great-grandson, Jack Punto. He is also survived by his sisters: Gene Reed of Vermont, Nancy Campton and her husband Ron of Florida; and by two brothers: Ray and wife Peggy of Ohio, and Max Sisson of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond on December 7th and 8th from 8am to 9pm. The Funeral Service will be held at First Christian Church of Edmond, Oklahoma, on December 9th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to accept donations to establish a Jack Sisson music scholarship through the music department at the University of Central Oklahoma. Services under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home Edmond, OK.