Ben Chisler

B.L. (Ben) Chisler, of Kilgore, passed away at his home on Friday, March 31, 2023 following a short illness. We celebrate his life of 93 years, and the lives of those he touched along the way.

Ben was born on February 28, 1930 in Daybrook, West Virginia, the son of Kelcy and Hattie Chisler. In 1949 he graduated from Reed City Michigan High School, and that summer, married his high school sweetheart, Myrtle Boyer. Their loving journey through life together would last 73 and a half years, until Ben's death.

During the years 1952-54, Ben served our country in the armed forces as an Army helicopter mechanic during the Korean War. He would remain a loyal supporter of the U.S. Armed Services the rest of his life.

The oil and gas service industry was Ben's chosen profession, and his career with the Dowell Division of Dow Chemical Company would span 34 years. Starting as an equipment operator, Ben accepted each new challenge leading to the level of District Manager at multiple locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas. As a manager, he had a gift for training and developing the people working for him, and many went on to become the next generation of leaders in their field. Ben and Myrtle embraced the adventure of the oifield life moving their family 13 times over those 34 years.

Upon retirement, Ben was able to enjoy his favorite hobbies with his wife Myrtle, and they made many fond memories on their fishing and camping trips together. He also utilized his woodworking and gardening skills, and his family always looked forward to the home-grown tomatoes he shared with them.

Ben was an active member of Highland Park Baptist Church in Kilgore, where he and Myrtle worshipped.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Jean Deering, and younger brother, Frank Chisler. He and Myrtle were blessed with two sons, Steven Chisler (daughter-in-law, Deborah) and Michael Chisler (daughter-in-law, Debbie). Their extended family included 5 grandchildren (Jeffrey Chisler, Bethany Chisler, Michelle Kopp, Jason Chisler and Jon Chisler) and 7 great-grandchildren. Each generation formed a special bond with their "Papa" and will always remember the love he had for them.

As the rock the Chisler family leaned on and looked to for direction, his life could be described by the words of Joshua: " Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

The family invites you to join us in a celebration of Ben Chisler's life on Wednesday, April 5 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Kilgore, Texas. Visitation with family members at 10:00 AM, with a service to follow at 11:00 AM with Reverend Chris Kopp.

Family has requested a private graveside service.