Forwarded from Barb Austin: (some current details omitted) Obituaries Robert Bob Sisson January 18, 1913 April 8, 2003Services: Friday, April 11, 1 p.m. Graveside services will be held Friday, April 11, 2003, 1:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Cemetery, River Blvd., for long-time Bakersfield resident Bob Sisson. Pastor Doug Davis of Calvary Bible Church will be officiating.Bob was born in Tulare, California, to Clark and Blanche Sisson. The family moved to Bakersfield after Bob completed the 7th grade. He graduated from Kern County Union High School in 1930 and graduated from Bakersfield College in 1932. Bob was headed to Stanford University until the effects of the depression made it impossible for him to continue his education. While in college, Bob organized a 4-piece band. They played for high school dances, as well as private parties. In December of 1933, the band was hired by a club in Westwood Village, near UCLA; for 6 months. Returning to Bakersfield in 1934, the band increased to 7- pieces, and by December, the band was an eleven piece group. Bob played the drums, he was self-taught, and also managed the band. He hired a good looking actor from Hollywood to front the band and they began a road trip that lasted seven years. They played in the best hotels all over the United States. While in Reno, Nevada, they had a radio contract with CBS and twice weekly they broadcast to New York.One month after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the band dissolved. Bob returned to Bakersfield where he became a salesman. He missed playing the drums so he organized a little band that played locally. In 1943, a young dance teacher, Johnnie McEuen, hired Bob to play the drums for her dance recital and one year later, June, 1944, they were married. He continued playing the drums for the Stage Door Studio recitals until Johnnies last recital in June 1991. Johnnie died in July 1991; they were married 47 years.Bob never regretted following music and playing the music of the 30s and 40s. He considered his time in music the equivalent of a college education. Bob attended Calvary Bible Church and had a special relationship with the Lord. He was a devoted husband and father. He and Johnnie are reunited in Heaven.Visitation will be Thursday 3:00 9:00 p.m.Greenlawn Mortuary Funeral Directors