Howard Kisling

Howard Lee Kisling of Centennial Colorado died after a short illness February 8, 2021 at the age of 90. Born December 5, 1930 to George and Elizabeth (Mott) Kisling on a farm near Burlington Oklahoma, Howard left tiny Hazelton Kansas, where he was one of nine in his 1948 high school graduating class. Upon ROTC graduation from Kansas University in 1952 Howard became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in frigid Limestone Maine, 1st LT Howard Kisling liked to say he “ran a mess hall.” Later in life we learned that that mess hall was in a nuclear weapons depot, where he held Top Secret and “Q” clearances qualifying him to serve scientists who were discussing atomic bomb upgrades. While stationed there Howard met and married the first love of his life, Jacquelyn Hibbard, in 1956. Following his discharge Howard pursued a career in insurance, retiring from Ohio Casualty in 1992. Howard and Jackie raised three children; Scott (Kathleen), Sandra (Ray) Kelley, and Steve, who died in 1995. Howard and Jackie enjoyed camping and travel, visiting dozens of countries until Jackie died in 2007. Fortunately for Howard, he met the second love of his life later that year, Lee Regnier, with whom he continued to travel and enjoy life. Lee’s three children, Leah (Brian) Kimmerle, Lynne (Ben) Ray, and Brad Paris, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren welcomed Howard into the family as “Papa H” and gave him great joy. Lee and Scott were at Howard’s side when he died. Although Howard liked to think that people knew him by his hat, it was his ever-present smile that most people will remember.

Friends and relatives will be invited to a remembrance of Howard on Zoom. Inquiries to Scott Kisling. A private committal service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO, the Disabled American Veterans or to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, in Howard’s honor.