Richard Oscar Gisler, Sr., 77, died Monday, August 26, 2013, in his home in Runge, Texas. He was born in Kenedy, Texas on July 10, 1936, the second child of Bertha “Bert” Bingham Gisler and Erwin L. “Peanut” Gisler.

Richard married Alfreda Pargmann, of Runge, on June 27, 1956. He joined the Marine Corps and served honorably for three years as an aircraft electrician. Later, he worked as an oil field mud logger and farmer/rancher. Together with his brother, Jerry, they established Gisler Brothers Logging, Inc. in 1978 in Runge. In 1992, after being diagnosed with a heart condition, he received a heart transplant in Salt Lake City, Utah. He then retired from the oil industry and continued to work on the farm where he proudly established his own pecan orchard. Richard was a proud serving member of Runge’s St. Paul Lutheran Church, NALC.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Pansy Doreck and Gay Hahn; and his brothers, Erwin C. Gisler, Ronnie Gisler, and Jerry Gisler.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alfreda; daughters, Brenda Boerm (Kenneth Dillon) of Victoria, Carolyn (Jeff) Garwood of Waxsaw, NC; Anice (Albert) Morales of Phoenix, AZ; Loretta (Scott) Sonsalla of Columbia, SC; Kelley (Darren) Drastata of Edna; and son, Richard (Heather) O. Gisler, Jr. of Runge. Also surviving are his sisters, Connie (Wayne) Buesing of Nordheim and Janet (Curtis) Rosson of Duncanville; and brother, John (Carmen) Gisler of Pettus. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Richard loved tending his pecan trees, fishing at the river, telling stories and having coffee at the “liars’ table” with his many friends.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, and the funeral service will be held on Friday, August 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Finch Funeral Home in Runge. Burial will be held at the Runge City Cemetery. Pall Bearers: Cory Boerm, Stephen Boerm, Bo Daniel, Jeff Garwood, Albert Morales, Scott Sonsalla, Brent Gisler, Darren Drastata and Joshua Drastata. Honorary Pall Bearers: Joshua, Ethan and Daniel Drastata, Gavin Sonsalla.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard's name to Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), 8122 Datapoint, Ste 200, San Antonio, TX, 78229.

You are invited to sign the online register book at www.finchfuneralchapels.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Oscar Gisler Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.