Melvin "Tissel" W. Weiss

DOE RUN - Melvin “Tissel” W. Weiss passed away on April 4, 2025, at Presbyterian Manor in Farmington, MO at the age of 98. He was born May 26, 1926, the son of the late William “Blue” and Mahala (Byers) Weiss. Tissel graduated from high school with the class of 1944 in Elvins, MO.

Growing up he enjoyed playing marbles, shooting a slingshot, making and flying kites, fly fishing, and playing basketball. He never lost his love for those childhood pleasures or the stories they produced. As an adult he loved to fish, tend to his garden and property, watch college basketball, women’s softball, and Gunsmoke.

After high school graduation, Tissel joined the Navy. He was a seaman serving aboard the USS Floyds Bay (AVP-40) during World War II. Tissel was saved on December 7, 1952, at the Elvins Independent Christian Church. He was ordained into the Christian ministry on June 15,1958. The first church he pastored was the Whitewater Christian Church in Yount, MO. He entered Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO in 1960 and graduated in 1963. During his college years he became a Baptist and pastored several churches following graduation. It was a rare day that he didn’t spend time reading “The Book” and his Bible was highlighted and had lots of notes in the margin.

During Tissel’s lifetime he worked at numerous jobs. He retired from the Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center where he was employed as a counselor and coordinator of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center.

He was a storyteller and there were lots of stories! There were tales of childhood: his paper route, working at Ab’s barber shop as a shoeshine boy, walking 3 miles to fish, the story behind his nickname, and stories from the summer of ’43 when he rode the train to San Franciso and worked in the shipyards. There were stories from his time in the Navy and stories about working churn drills and later in the lead mines. He was a “connector”, and he always kept in touch with friends and family via calls, cards, and letters. Tissel bought lots and lots of stamps.

He is survived by his children, Steve Weiss (Shelly Drymon), of Springfield, MO, Paula Hale (Don), of Reeds Spring, MO, and Russell Weiss (Darlene), of Licking, MO; and his brother, Wayne Weiss (Marlene), of Rockville, MD. Tissel has 4 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Ellen (Stevens) Weiss, three sisters, and one brother.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tissel’s memory will continue to live on in the stories shared by his family and friends, as well as the many lives he touched throughout his long and fulfilling life.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10 a.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel officiated by Reverend Bill Bond. Tissell will be laid to rest at Weiss Cemetery in Doe Run. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Elvins Baptist Chuch or plant a tree in Tissel’s memory from the Cozean website. View the video tribute and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.