Barbara Ann (DeGeare) Kisner

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, artist, seamstress, historian, adventurer, collector, chef, gardener, and explorer, Barbara Ann (DeGeare) Kisner, age 80, of Pacific, Missouri passed away peacefully in her home, with her husband by her side and surrounded by family, on October 25, 2023. 

Barbara was born in St. Louis in 1943. She spent her childhood in St. Louis and attended Fox High School before marrying Jerry Lee Kisner in 1961 and beginning their adventures together that would span nearly 63 years.  

Barbara and Jerry traveled in their early years of marriage while Jerry was in the United States Marine Corps, living in California, North Carolina, and Hawaii.  

Barbara was a devoted wife and loving mother, who never backed down from learning something new.  She loved her garden and was a Master Gardener.  She enjoyed canning and making jelly and jams from her garden harvest. 

Barbara spent several years as a ticket agent with Eastern Airlines in Kansas City followed by several years as a highly recognized employee with Jackson County (MO) Parks and Recreation.  Here, her seamstress skills and historic research were unmatched as she costumed venues such as Missouri Town 1855 and Fort Osage.  

In her later years, she was an avid and talented painter, creating dozens of beautiful paintings that adorn the walls of family and friends.  She had a volunteer spirit and put that to use over the span of her life, from volunteering at her children’s schools in the early years to helping at the local senior center in recent years. 

But her favorite pastime was spending time with Jerry and sharing adventures with him as they cruised the world, explored the wilderness and fly fished, and shared sunrises and sunsets at the beach.  

Barbara will be remembered for her kind smile, endless talent, and warm, welcoming hospitality that she displayed to all who entered her home.  She was a blessing to those who knew her and she will be greatly missed.  We will always remember hearing her say “Life is full of choices”, as well as miss her amazing cooking and warm hugs.  

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Lilburn DeGeare and Dorothy (Kania) Funke, stepfather Bernard Funke, sister Joyce (DeGeare) Kathman, son-in-law James (Guy) Shain, and grandson Chad. 

She is survived by her husband Jerry Lee Kisner, of the home, her children Steven (Susan) Kisner, Carrie Martin, Greg (Judie) Kisner, and Kania Shain. Barbara has 9 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.  Barbara is also survived by her siblings Ronald (Debra) DeGeare, Sharon (Jerry) Frank, Judy Moore, and Kevin (Sue) Funke, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life for family and friends will take place at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made to Tri County Community Senior Center in Pacific, Missouri (800 West Union Street, Pacific, MO, 63069) where Barb spent years in volunteer service.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann (DeGeare) Kisner, please visit our floral store.