William N. Kiser (March 21, 1921 - July 29, 2009)

Major William N. Kiser, US Army Retired, 88, of Russellville, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at his home. The son of Willis and Mary Caroline Corneilus Kiser, he was born March 21, 1921 in Russellville. William was a member of the 1939 graduating class of Russellville High School. He served in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean War. He served in the Army's Signal Corps, using his skills as a radio operator and engineer in both the regular Army during two wars and in the National Guard during peace time. He retired from the Army with the Rank of Major.

Following the war, Mr. Kiser received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Masters in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas. He then began a 20 year career with the Arkansas Employment Security Division, retiring in 1994.

He was an avid ATU football fan, often traveling to out of town games to support the Wonder Boys. He also enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator with call sign "WM5H". He received the "55" year service award from the Federal Communications Commission for 55 years of service as a Ham Radio Operator.

Major Kiser was a member of the Rogers-Rye Post, #2283 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the First Presbyterian Church in Searcy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Margaret Jane Moore Kiser; second wife, Lynn Drennan Kiser; a grandson, Bobby Raynor and 10 siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Cox, Dallas, TX; two sons, Mike Kiser, Weaversville, NC and Steve Kiser and wife "Cookie", Forrest City, AR; a stepdaughter, Barbara Raynor and husband Robert, Searcy, AR; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00AM, Friday, July 31, 2009 at Oakland Cemetery. Rev. Don Erwin will officiate. Burial will be by Humphrey Funeral Service with full military honors provided by the Roger-Rye Post, #2283 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Newton Good News Sunday School Class at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205-3755 (www.phumc.com) or Dardanelle Presbyterian Church, 200 North 2nd Street, Dardanelle, AR 72834. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

Obit Furnished By Humphrey Funeral Service