Donald O. Schissler *51

Donald Schissler, a research chemist who rose to management assignments at Shell Oil Co., died peacefully Aug. 24, 2019, at age 96.

Schissler graduated from Penn State in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at age 19, and went to work on synthetic-rubber research for the Armed Forces before joining the Navy on his 21st birthday. He served as a naval radar observer officer until 1947, and shortly thereafter went to Princeton and earned a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1951.

He then joined the Shell Development Co. in California as a research chemist, beginning a career of more than 35 years at Shell Oil Co. After assignments as a research chemist, he joined company management with several postings in various divisions of Shell. He was sent to Houston in 1965, remaining in the area until retiring in 1986.

Schissler was predeceased by his first wife, Lietta, the mother of his children. He is survived by Adrienne, his wife of 44 years; three children; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.