Arthur Cisson; March 26, 1933-March 7, 2022 The United States lost one of its great warriors when Cdr Arthur Cisson, USN, Retired, took his last flight on March 7, 2022. That day our family said goodbye to a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Art was born in Harvey, Illinois and moved to Arizona as a young boy. This is where his love of flying flourished. He enlisted in the Navy in 1953 and his skill as a pilot was soon recognized and he entered the Officers Corps, rising to the rank of Commander. When he retired from active duty in 1978, he was one of only a few pilots in the Navy who learned to fly off aircraft carriers on prop planes, advancing to the highest performance jet of the era, the Phantom F-4. Over his very distinguished career, he was stationed on both coasts where his tours took him on many adventures. He served in numerous combat missions and many peace time tours aboard the USS Ranger, USS Enterprise USS Kitty Hawk, and the USS Constellation, all based in San Diego, California.
After earning a degree in Political Science from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California he took an assignment at the Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida. One of his greatest adventures was when he and his eldest son Scott, flew his beloved bi-wing, 1931 Tiger Moth airplane cross-country flying the open cockpit plane only during daylight and good weather.
After retiring, Art built a landing strip on top of a mountain in West Fork, Arkansas where he raised cattle and many other animals.
He is survived by his wife and loving friend of 68 years, Patricia Cisson. They were high school sweethearts, the only woman who loved him without suppressing his adventurous spirit. She kept the fort together at home while he was so often away, a true military wife, whom he loved very much. Together they have six children: Robert Scott Cisson, Cheryl Freeland (Charles), Susan Bobbitt (Donald), John Cisson (Deanna), Katheryn Rea (Andy), Pam Hohnerlien (Dean), 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
A private service for the family will be held March 18, 2022.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of a great man. I look back and smile at the times John and I would come to the ranch in Arkansas. That was a highlight of that time in my life. Thank you for your service, Commander and Pat Cisson. God bless you all in this time.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. Thank you for the beautiful storyline. May God bless you and wrap his loving arms around you with his precious angels🦋🙏🏼🙏🏼!
So sorry for your loss John and Deanna. He is heaven’s gain soaring with angels. Thank you for sharing his story.
To my Aunt Pat, my Cousins Scott, Cheri, Susan, Katie, John, and Pam, the grandchildren and great -children. On behalf of your Aunt Anne and me, we extend out deepest heartfelt condolences. Your dad was a hero and a leader to the many he came across in his career. I can vouch for that because I met a number of men and women in my Naval career that served with him or under him
Cdr. Arthur Cisson, USN, Ret. Bravo Zulo. Job well done. You are hereby relieved of the watch. Fair winds and following seas. God speed Uncle Art. We have the watch now. Welcome home.
To his family directly. Our love and prayers are with you always. Strengthened by prayers and memories of your husband and Father. He will live in your memories forever.
So sorry for your loss!