Dr Donald Eugene Bissing

Dr. Donald Eugene Bissing, age 77, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2011 with loved ones by his side. Don was born September 10, 1934 in McCook, Nebraska, the third son of Francis (Frank) Adam Bissing and Josephine “Pearl” (Benjamin) Bissing.

He was an avid baseball player in his youth and tennis player as an adult. After graduating with honors from St. Joseph’s Military Academy (Thomas More Prep-Marian High) in Hays, Don worked for Western Electric prior to being drafted in the US Army. He married Patricia Staab in 1954 and they had two sons, David and Mark.

Upon completion of his military service at Fort Bliss, Texas and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, he returned to his studies at Fort Hays State College and the University of Kansas, earning a PHD in Organic Chemistry and Mathematics and also received his ABD from Harvard. He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and tutoring undergrads.

He worked several years for Monsanto Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed numerous patents to include Lasso Pre-Emmirtant Herbicide and Roundup. He then worked for BASF-Wyandotte in Wyandotte, Michigan as General Manager of the Agricultural Department and later joined FMC Corporation in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Princeton, New Jersey offices, advancing to Vice President of their Agricultural Department.

Upon retirement from FMC, Don moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was a professor at the University of New Mexico and tutored elementary students in math and reading. He also enjoyed volunteering for the Special Olympics in Albuquerque and supporting the football and basketball teams at KU.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pearl, and brother, William. He is survived by his sons, David Bissing of Denver, Colorado and Mark Bensing (formerly Bissing) of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Talley, of Olathe, Kansas and brother, Paul Bissing and wife, Judy, of New Berlin, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Don requested a memorial Mass, and in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to an Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Organization of your choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Prince of Peace Church, 16000 West 143rd, Olathe, Kansas on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements under the direction of the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 501 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas 66061 (913) 782-0582