Lance D. Chisum

Lance Donavan Chisum, age 42, died Saturday evening, February 19, 2011. He was a native of Oklahoma and long term resident of Ocean Springs, MS. It is with great sadness that his family in both Mississippi and Oklahoma announce his death. He is greatly loved by family and friends who will miss him very much.
Lance is survived by his son Garrett D. Chisum, wife Donna L. Chisum both of Ocean Springs, MS; his father Troy B. Chisum, mother Peggy S. Harper, sister Tressia Hayes, brothers Chris Harper, Richard Chisum, Jeremy Chisum, Kelly Harper, and loving nieces and nephews all of Oklahoma; cousin Michael L. Chisum of Phoenix, AZ; his parents-in-law Douglas and Pat Lauck of Ocean Springs, MS; and his brother and sister-in-law Douglas and Debra Huggins and niece and nephew of Virginia Beach, VA.
He had a distinguished career in law enforcement. He started his career at the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office in Oklahoma where he worked from April 1991 through October 1997. First he started as a communications officer, dispatch supervisor, jailer, jail coordinator, and reserve supervisor. After attending the Oklahoma State Police Academy in March 1992 he became a Sheriff's deputy which included the duties of patrol, traffic, investigation of cases, and serving court papers.
After moving to Mississippi he began working for the Biloxi Police Department in April of 1998 until the time of his death. From 1998-2003 he worked as uniformed patrol officer on patrol. From 2003-2007 he worked as a property crime investigator in the Criminal Investigation Division. From 2007-2010 he worked as an investigator in the Special Crime Unit working undercover narcotics. This year he had been working in the Crime Scene Division.
Lance received many honors, awards and certificated throughout his career: 2000 Excellence in City Government; 2003 Military Order of the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor; 2005 Performance in an exemplary manner during a time of crisis; 2007 Certificate of Appreciation from Biloxi Major A.J. Holloway; 2007 Letter of Commendation from Biloxi Police Department Director Bruce Dunigan; and 2010 Certificate of Appreciation from Biloxi Police Department Director John B. Miller.
In addition to working in law enforcement, Lance also started Arrow Fencing Company after Hurricane Katrina to help people quickly rebuild fences with high quality and low cost. He continued the business for several years building in the evenings and weekends until there was no longer a need by the community.
He was active in the community and loved to help others. He volunteered all through his son's elementary school years, even receiving a certificate of recognition from Pecan Park Elementary. At St. Paul United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs he was an active church member and served as an Alpha table leader. For his neighborhood he served two years on the Fort Bayou Civic Association Board, with one year in the role of President. He also was a regular blood donor. He was generous and would help anyone who was in need.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Paul UMC or Garrett D. Chisum for a college fund at Keesler Federal Credit Union.
A Memorial Service will be held on February 25, 2011, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., viewing of memorial table; 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Memorial Service at St. Paul United Methodist Church., Ocean Springs, MS, located at the corner of Hwy 90 and Hwy 57. A graveside funeral service will be held in Oklahoma at a date to be determined.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi, assisted with arrangements.