Russell Lee “Russ” Heiserman

Russell Lee “Russ” Heiserman, 89, of Clearwater FL, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 5:45am on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 at Seasons Hospice Care. Russ had battled kidney failure, COPD and irregular heart beat for many years, but is now at peace with the Lord.

Russ was born on Christmas Day, December 25th 1930 in Oklahoma City, OK to Mack and Helen (Sills) Heiserman, the oldest of two siblings, followed by his sister Sue. Mack’s job brought the family to many places in the region, but Enid ended up being their home, where Russ graduated high school. From there he enlisted in the Army and fought in the Korean war as a proud member of the Oklahoma 45th Infantry Division, where he was trained as a radio operator and technician. Russ was proud of his service to the country and had many memories of his time in Korea. Russ used the GI Bill to complete both his BS and masters degrees from Oklahoma State University in physics (specializing in acoustics).

After graduation and on a business trip (Airpax) to Baltimore, MD, Russ met Betti Heiserman. They were married in Baltimore on August 19, 1956. They had three children and were married until divorcing in 1990. Betti and Russ lived in Stillwater, OK and both attended Oklahoma State University. After graduation the family moved to Winchester MA, where Russ worked as a designer of teaching courses and equipment at Hickok Teaching Systems. He also taught electronics at Massachusetts Radio and Electronics school in south Boston. Russ and family moved back to Oklahoma (Stillwater) in 1975, where Russ went on to get a PHD in education. Russ then continued as professor of electronics at Oklahoma State University (ET program). He authored several technical books and was also an adjunct professor in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for a number of years.

After their divorce, Russ moved to Lake Charles, LA and was professor of electronics at McNeese State University. When Russ retired in 2003, he moved to Clearwater FL, residing in the On Top of the World community, where he was active in writing, fitness and other activities. In 2015 Russ married Sy Mackey.

Russ enjoyed sailing, guns, writing, travel, SCUBA diving, photography, blackjack, Christmastime, reading and being with friends and family. He was an avid, long-time member of AA (34 years!), of which he thoroughly enjoyed and attended AA “attitude adjustment” meetings first thing most every morning. Russ brought a warm smile and quick wit to all he met. He was a fighter, an optimist and realist to the very end. Russ will be missed!

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Mack Heiserman and Helen (Landon, husband Gale), his son Alan, and first wife Betti. Russ is survived by his sister, Sue Taylor of Ajijic, Mexico (daughter Pam Taylor, husband G.R.(d) ), by two children, his son Scott of Chaska, MN (wife Kay, and their children Andrea and Andrew), his daughter Christa of Oklahoma City, and by Russ’ wife, Sy Mackey of Clearwater, FL, her children (daughter Laurie (children Syann, husband Tim) and son Dennis).