Francis Clark Whisler, 84, was born May 1, 1928, in southern Trego County, Kansas to Dewey G. Whisler and Esther M. (Vincent) Whisler.   He died August 2, 2012, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.   The family lived on the farm until 1934 when they moved to Wakeeney, Kansas.  Francis was blessed with two sisters and one brother during most of his life.  His mother passed away in 1976, his brother in 1985 and his father in 1990.  Francis went to school, starting in the first grade at Wakeeney Grade School and then at Trego Community High School where he graduated in May 1946.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and was trained as a photographer.   He spent his time in the Navy from June 1946 through May 1948, and served as a photographer for the Fleet Camera Party of the Pacific Fleet in Hawaii, Guam, Japan and China and received his honorable discharge in San Francisco, California.  In the fall of 1948 he enrolled at Kansas State (College) University.   His major course of study was Petroleum Geology.   After his graduation in June, 1952, he worked one year for an oil field acidizing company in Plainville where he got acquainted with many geologists with an independent oil drilling and producing company(Jones, Shelbourne, and Farmer of Russell, Kansas).   In 1960 he started his own consulting geologic business and worked for some of the smallest oil producers and some of the largest of the major oil companies in Kansas and Nebraska.   In his later years he continued working for local clients until his death.   His career spanned 60 years.  In May 1954 he married Patricia Brockett of Lincoln, Kansas, whom he met at Kansas State when they were students.   To this union was born two children, Michael and Susan.   He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dewey Whisler Jr.   He is survived by his wife Patricia of Russell, son Michael of Russell, daughter Susan Albers (Fred) of Overland Park, grandchildren Holly Albers & Jordan Albers of Overland Park, Kansas, Jessica (Brent) Cunningham Glen Elder, Kansas & great grandchildren Drew, Tanna and Bailee of Glen Elder, Kansas; sisters, Barbara Nimz of Russell and Carol Perrin of Tampa, Florida, & sister in-law Lois Whisler of Satanta, Kansas.  The great loves in his life were his wife, his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his extended family and many friends, his church, the game of golf and his lifetime career as a petroleum geologist.  He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Kansas Geological Society, and Kansas State University Alumni Association.

A memorial service to celebrate Francis’ life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell, Kansas with Pastor John Thompson officiating.  A private family inurnment of the cremains will be held at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, August 6, 2012, at the mortuary with the family present to greet visitors from 6 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Monday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Trinity United Methodist Church and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.