Dr. Bryan Lawrence Schisler

Bryan Lawrence Schisler, age 86, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2024 at his Hammond residence. He was born on October 13, 1938.  Bryan was raised on a farm in Northeast Arkansas. His dad and brother called him the farm entertainment. Bryan’s idea of helping included sitting in a tree throwing cherry balls into paint cans - that’s helping right. Since being a farm hand was not in the cards, he found his next love, basketball. 

He started his journey playing basketball at a small high school where he was named the player of the year for the State of Arkansas. This earned him a scholarship to the University of Houston where he played basketball and received his degree in education. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he married the love of his life, Donna Gayle Raulston. He then coached basketball at two high schools in Arkansas, Valley View and Jonesboro High, leading his teams to two state championships. He dabbled in coaching at Arkansas State University before making teaching his full-time career. He earned his Doctorate in Education at Auburn University and went to Southeastern Louisiana University as an education professor. In his 27 years at SLU, he enhanced public education in south Louisiana by helping to produce hundreds of quality teachers and principals. Outside of his job, he loved to fish. Bryan loved a large-mouth bass hitting a top water bait or the thump-thump of a speckled trout hitting. 

Bryan was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion and master story-teller. This is in addition to his impact on teachers and schools in the region. 

In addition to his parents, Bryan was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Glenn Schisler. 

He is survived by his wife of more than 64 years, Donna Gayle Schisler; daughter, Donna Lee Just of Hammond; son, Daniel Lawrence Schisler and wife Debra of Newport, NC; grandchildren, Jessica Schisler Lawrence, Luke Matthew Just, Samantha Nicole Schisler; great-grandchildren, Mckinley Blake Lawrence, Grayson Daniel Lawrence; sister, Margaret Schisler Howard; sister-in-Law, Debbie Raulston Smith; and his caregiver, Rhonda Hines, who provided so much love and support at the end. 

As Bryan told his son and grandkids often: “I lived a great life …..”

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service for Dr. Bryan Schisler on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.