Calvin Nathan Wisinger

Nathan was predeceased by his mother, Jane Wright, stepfather, Walter Wright, and father, Calvin Wisinger. Nathan is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wisinger of El Dorado, AR, and their two children, daughter Carol Nesbit of El Dorado, AR, and son, Michael Wisinger (wife, Christy) of Little Rock, AR. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Mark Alan Jelks (wife, Kelli) of Monticello, AR, Lauren Ritchie (husband, Austin) of El Dorado, AR, Jamie Nesbit (wife, Skylar) of El Dorado, AR, and Isabella Wisinger and Ava Wisinger both of Little Rock, AR. Nathan is further survived by 5 great grandchildren, Jaxon, Broder, and Elzie Jane Ritchie of El Dorado, and Georgia Mae and Everett Jelks of Monticello.

Nathan, as everyone knew him, was born on May 20, 1935, to Jane and Calvin Wisinger in El Dorado. After graduating from El Dorado High School in 1953, he drove future US District Court Judge, Oren Harris, around the campaign trail all summer. After his stint as a political chauffeur, Nathan enrolled at Marion Military Institute in Alabama where he matriculated for a year. He then enlisted in the US Army where he spent 2 years, much of it in Europe, and was honorably discharged as a Korean War veteran. Nathan then spent a very brief period “studying” at Arkansas A&M (UA – Monticello) – just long enough to score a blind date with Marilyn New. They were married only three to four months later. As with most blind dates that lead to marriage after only 3 months……Nathan and Marilyn spent almost 66 years together!

After the wedding, Nathan worked for his father in the oil fields, and then almost starved to death (in his own words) as the owner of a gas station. He then settled into his career with the US Postal Service where he delivered mail (almost entirely on Route 6) for 31 years before retiring in 1993 at the age of 58. Nathan then worked part-time at a local funeral home and at his wife’s El Dorado Florist during his first few years of retirement – but only when he wanted to!

In his younger adult years, Nathan enjoyed running around with his 2 brothers-in-law, Sonny and Frelsen. Or as the family refers to them still – the 3 outlaws. He was an avid fisherman, liked to hunt and loved to bass fish with his father, Calvin, including a trip to Mexico where they drove for days pulling their own bass boat.

Along the way, Nathan and Marilyn adopted two babies, a girl, Carol, and a boy, Michael. Summer beach vacations were a family tradition most years. Nathan continued the fishing and hunting legacy with his own son and grandsons including another bass fishing expedition to Mexico, among other destinations. He would occasionally take his young children on his rural route to “help” (especially on a snow day). Helping often involved putting mail in the box, eating Moon Pies and drinking RC Colas at Lucy’s store (Carol preferred Yahoos which she spilled all over her newly knitted white dress on one occasion and blamed her Daddy’s driving), catching lunch at Jack and Gladys’ house on the route, and shooting the pistol on the little dirt road past the old wooden bridge that crossed the creek.

Nathan had a “never met a stranger” personality and a great sense of humor. He meshed well with the in-laws as well as the outlaws! His father-in-law even forgave him for accidentally shooting him in the leg after a deer hunt near Marilyn’s family farm in southeast Arkansas. That’s a funny family story and even partially true.

Nathan was a regular attendee of First Baptist Church and Sunday school until recently when his health began to decline. He was a member of the local VFW, American Legion, and Masonic lodge where he served as treasurer for a time. He enjoyed coffee and socializing on a daily basis at Andy’s with his friends. Nathan liked to look nice and was a snappy dresser (he even pleated his jeans!). He was always an avid reader and historian – especially of wars.

Nathan enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family and loved the annual family reunion at his brother-in-law’s (Sonny) cabin on Little Piney Creek in the Ozark National Forest. He especially liked it when the crowd cleared out and only the serious hunters were left. That’s when the steaks came out for grilling! He was a devoted son and visited his mother almost every single day until her death at the age of 99 in 2013.

But most of all Nathan loved his wife of almost 66 years, Marilyn. He was our beloved husband, father, and provider and he died with his head on the shoulder of the woman he loved for two-thirds of a century. We love you, Nathan. Rest in peace and we will see you again one day in your perfect, healthy body.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Young's Funeral Directors. Graveside service will be Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:30 am at Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Wisinger family.