Paul Rudean Kissinger

Paul Rudean Kissinger, 98, of Augusta, AR, passed away on December 12, 2024. First and foremost, Rudean was a family man. He was a devoted husband to Janice (Smethwick) for 59 years, a loving father to Ronnie Dale Kissinger (Linda), Jana Paul Wood, and Paul Rudean (Buggs) Kissinger II (Deborah). He was affectionately known as “Dad Kissinger” to Dr. Ken Hampton (Kristy) of Kilgore, TX; Stacey Pettit (Serena) of Eufaula, OK; Daniel Kissinger (Jamie) of McCrory; Steven Kissinger (Jennifer) of Searcy, AR; Lynsey Gwin (Mike) of Ashdown, AR; Amanda Kissinger (Joseph) of McCrory, AR; and Jessica Wood-Garibay (Joseph) of Carrollton, TX. He was blessed with 15 great grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Ernestine Pomtree of Augusta, AR, and sister-in-law, Judy Kissinger of Bald Knob, AR, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great-nephews, and a host of friends. Rudean was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janice, his parents Arthur and Lou Kissinger, his sister Geraldine Branscum and her husband JC, his brother Arthur (Abe) Kissinger, his son-in-law Dale Wood, his brother-in-law Russel Pomtree, and his grandson Ronnie Kissinger II. Rudean was known for his strong character, integrity, hard work, and dedication. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Rudean served in occupied Japan at the end of WWII and re-enlisted to complete his service in San Diego, CA. After his military service, he pursued various careers, including farming for a year with Papa Arthur, delivering milk for Fitzhugh Dairy, working for GTE Telephone Co., and the city of Augusta. He partnered with his brother-in-law JC Branscum in a furniture store and owned a grocery store. In addition to his regular job, he logged, truck-patched watermelons, and raised hogs on the side. In 1962, he built Kissinger’s Furniture and spent 62 years as its owner, only retiring due to the pandemic, health risks, failing eyesight, and on-the-job injuries. Rudean was deeply committed to his community. He served over 20 years as a volunteer fireman and was a 60-plus-year member of American Legion Post 166. He also contributed to the Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. A devout Christian, he was an Elder at the Augusta Presbyterian Church until it closed in 1974 and later enjoyed watching the Pulaski Heights Methodist Church on TV every Sunday. Rudean had a passion for fishing and hunting. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Razorbacks and Dallas Cowboys, and had a fondness for Westerns, particularly those featuring John Wayne and Gunsmoke. He also took pleasure in working in his yard and growing tomatoes, but most of all he enjoyed time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. Visitation will be held from 5pm-7pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Powell Funeral Home of Woodruff County in Augusta, Arkansas. Funeral Service will be Monday, December 16, 2024 beginning at 10am at the Augusta Methodist Church in Augusta. Interment will follow at Augusta Memorial Park, Augusta, Arkansas.

Paul Rudean Kissinger

July 14, 1926 - December 12, 2024