Firefighter, Naval Aviator, loving husband and father

Herbert H. Schisler, a longtime Claremont resident, died on Friday, November 1, 2013 after a brief illness. He was 90 years old.

Herbert, or “Herb” as he was known to his many friends, was born on August 9, 1923 and grew up in La Verne, California. A child of the Great Depression, he worked at a variety of jobs from an early age to help support his family, including citrus farming and mining as well as a stint as an oil well rigger. He attended Bonita High School, where he was the captain for both the school shooting team and archery team. 

Shortly after graduation, World War II began; Mr. Schisler joined the United States Navy. During the war, he served as a Naval Aviator, with most of his time spent training new pilots how to fly. While stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas, he met and fell in love with his future bride, Constance. They were married in 1944.

After the war, Mr. and Mrs. Schisler began raising a family in Claremont, eventually having two daughters and a son. During this period, Mr. Schisler raised lemons on 10 acres in Claremont, while also having a chicken and egg ranch. Eventually, he sold the lemon orchard and joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Mr. Schisler rose through the ranks at the department to the position of captain, where he served for many years. He also became active in Los Angeles County Firefighters Union Local 1014, where he held several positions, eventually serving on the board of directors. He continued working for the union long after he retired as an active firefighter, serving his fellow union members until age 78.

In recent years, Mr. Schisler spent time with his beloved wife, Connie, until her passing in 2006. His death on November 1 coincided with the 69th anniversary of their marriage.

He is survived by his children, Lisa S. Drew of Upland, Thurman K. Schisler of San Bernardino and Camela M. Sutton of Kelso, Washington, as well as by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Mr. Schisler’s life on Friday, November 15 at 1 p.m. at Vineyard Community Church, located at 2801 N. Towne Ave. in Pomona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Los Angeles County Firefighters Foundation, sent to Firefighters Local 1014, 3460 Fletcher Ave., El Monte, CA 91731.