He was born in a rural farmhouse 3 miles northeast of Cashion, Oklahoma to Walter Leroy Rising and Anna Emily (Lightle) Rising on October 26, 1926, the youngest of 5 children.

He was drafted into the army in 1953 where he was a mechanic and driving instructor at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. While in uniform he married Naomi, his sweetheart of 10 years. Together they resumed full time farming following his honorary discharge from the service and went on to create and raise their family on the Cashion farm. He and his brothers founded Rising Oil Company & later Midwest Enterprises in the 1970’s and set out in search of oil & gas. Their search ultimately took them to Louisiana, Kansas, Colorado, and numerous locations across Oklahoma.

He was the wisest and hardest working person we’ve ever known; for years he chased down cattle—decades after both his knees should have been replaced, farmed in multiple states at the same time, went to bed following the 10 o’clock news and was up before the 4:00 AM farm report— and he did it daily.  To say that he was driven would be a massive understatement.  Throughout his decades of farming and oil exploration which took him from Texas to South Dakota, it’s doubtful that one could find anyone who he dealt with - either personal or business- who would say he wasn’t a man of his word, honest & fair, always ready to help a neighbor, friend, or stranger. He was always there in support whenever it was needed, whether it was deserved or not. It was difficult to witness his physical decline over the past few years, but his spirit never changed- always looking to tomorrow and seeing reason to smile. He loved his family and although there were times when his delivery was less than delicate, we always knew and never doubted that fact. We’ll all miss him dearly but none more than mom, his sweetheart of 77 years. We love you dad and will miss you dearly.

Interment will follow at Cashion Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.