ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, September 12, 1993                   TAG: 9309130199
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: D-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

OBIT KESSINGER, STANLEY HOUSTON

KESSINGER, Stanley Houston, (Kitty), 93, of Blacksburg, died Friday, September 10, 1993 at Montgomery Regional Hospital. Mr. Kessinger was born in Giles County on September 20, 1899 to the late Anthony and Sarah Hamlin Kessinger. He was owner and operator of the Star Barber Shop for many years. Mr. Kessinger's Masonic history includes: raised in Hunter's Lodge No. 156-1942; Worshipful Master-1944; District Deputy Grand Master-1947; became an honorary member-1970; exalted a Royal Arch Mason-1942; High Priest of Blacksburg Royal Arch Chapter No. 65 1945-46, 1946-47; District Lecturer of the Ninth Capitular District- 1960 to present; received the John Dove Memorial Award 1977; honorary member of four Royal Arch Chapters, Blacksburg Commandery No. 32-1961; Emminent Commander 1978-79; Knight's York Cross of Honor, KYCH; served as instructor of Blue Lodge most of his masonic life; member of Ingle's Chapter No. 96, Order of Eastern Star; served as Worthy Patron, O.E.S. 1945-46, 1950-51, 1955-56 and 1971-72. He was a member of Blacksburg Town Council and served as Vice Mayor. Mr. Kessinger was an active member of the Blacksburg Christian Church serving as chairman of the board, elder, trustee for more than twenty years, elder emeritus, and a member of the church choir. He was instrumental in purchasing property, planning and construction of the new church building. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Cook Kessinger and a daughter, Lois K. Hamlett. Surviving are two daughters, Thelmagene K. Lasus, Round Rock, Texas, Frances K. Reed, Roanoke; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday September 13, 1993, 2:30 p.m. at Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Rev. Johnny Loughridge will officiate. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with Masonic Graveside Rites by Hunter's Masonic Lodge No. 156 A.F & A.M. Ingles Chapter No. 96 Order of Eastern Star will conduct a service Sunday at 5 p.m. at Mc Coy Funeral Home. Following, the family will receive friends until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Chapter of Virginia Endowment Fund O.E.S., P. O. Box 6633, Richmond, Va. 23230 or the Masonic Home of Virginia, 4115 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, Va. 23223-4926 or the Memorial Fund of Blacksburg Christian Church, 240 Watson Ave., Blacksburg, Va. 24060. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home. 


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