January 23, 1952 - January 10, 2026
Bradford Lee Kisner, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 10, 2026 at his home in Corpus Christi. He is survived by his wife Jane Kisner, his children Evan (Kimberly) Kisner of Corpus Christi, Sarah Jane (Trace) Holland of Houston, grandchildren Leahvae, Messiah, Ryan, Emma, Connor, and Lorelai, sister Klista Kisner Loomis of Dallas, and uncle Gene Pierson of Corpus Christi. Brad’s greatest joy was his family. He was an incredible father, grandfather, husband, and man, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Brad was born January 23, 1952 in Enid, Oklahoma to Billie Wayne Kisner and Tesoro Kisner Gregory. He graduated from Enid High School in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma State University in 1974. After a few years of teaching and serving in churches in Oklahoma, he attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he received a Masters of Sacred Music in 1980. Brad met the love of his life, Jane, in 1981 at a music and worship conference. They were married on July 16, 1983 at Perkins Chapel, SMU and journeyed through life together for 42 wonderful years.
An accomplished pianist, organist and choral director, Brad lived out his faith in both church and community. His ministry had a positive impact on countless people over the years, and he made long-lasting friendships everywhere he went. Brad served as Music Director at First United Methodist Church Midland, TX, from 1983 to 1995. In March 1995, he and Jane moved to Corpus Christi to begin their music ministry at First United Methodist Church. There, Brad served as Director of Music and Fine Arts for 24 years. After retiring from FUMC in 2019, Brad was involved in the music leadership at First Presbyterian Church for several years. Additionally, Brad taught for 18 years at Texas A & M Corpus Christi as an adjunct professor of piano.
Outside of his church work, Brad was involved in leadership for many arts and music organizations. Over the years he served on the board of the American Guild of Organists, the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra Board and Symphony Guild, the Arts Commission of Corpus Christi, and was involved with the American Guild of English Handbells (now Handbell Musicians of America) and the Harbor Playhouse. Brad served The Fellowship of Worship Artists in many leadership roles, including National President, Development Director and Convocation Chair.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday March 13, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, 900 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Christ in the Arts Fund at First United Methodist Church Corpus Christi, or to KEDT Public Radio.
