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- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 11 Mar 2007.
Just Plain Talk: Had any good medicine?
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 19 Aug 2007.
The importance of history came up in recent discussions I had last week. One chat was with Jefferson County Athletic Director Craig Kisabeth, whose father I knew from the Wall Tube & Metal era in Newport. You saw Robert Kisabeth's obituary and got an inkling of his impressive military service during World War II. I told Craig that Robert could have written a book and found out he did. Craig hopes to complete the manuscript and have it published. It will be a must read. Craig is well known and liked in Cocke County. He was a freshman at CCHS when his brother, Chuck, was a senior and best friend with Coach Larry Williams. The senior Kisabeth was 87 when he died after an illustrious career of service and major accomplishments in industry.
In plain talk, the long-time past obscures accomplishments but can never erase heroic service and lifetime achievement.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 11 Aug 2007.
Robert McClellan Kisabeth Sr., died August 11, 2007, after an extended illness in Charleston, S.C. Born June 8, 1920, in Louden Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, he was the son of William Earl Kisabeth and Carrie May McClellan. He was a veteran of World War II serving as a sergeant in the North African campaign where he was wounded in battle at the famous Battle of Hill 609 in Tunisia. While serving in the military, awards included: French Croix de Guerre with Palms, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart with Cluster, Army Commendation, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential and Unit Citations, African, Middle East and European Theater Medal with Arrow and Major Battle Stars, American Theater and American Defense Medals and Expert Badges for Rifle, Sub Machine Mortar and Pistol. After an honorable discharge in January 1945, he returned to his job at Wall Wire Products Company in Michigan and completed his apprenticeship in 1948. He was promoted to Machine Shop Foreman/Tool Designer in 1952. In 1956, he was asked to be a member of a cadre of eight to relocate all manufacturing facilities to Newport, Tennessee. At this time, the company merged with Helical Tube Company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and renamed Wall Tube and Metal Products Company. He continued to be employed at WT&MP Co., which had now become a subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum Company, and was promoted to Tool Engineering then to Chief Engineer then to Vice President for Engineering and Manufacturing with primary responsibilities of research, new product development and improvement and expansion of manufacturing facilities and then to President of the company before Phillips Petroleum’s decision to sell all assets related to the company in 1985. Lifetime activities included: Kiwanis Club; Chairman of an Industrial Management Group of Newport; Chairman of Boy Scouts of America Troop 296 of Newport; Order of the Arrow in Boy Scouts; President of Little League Football and Baseball teams in Newport; Lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars; Raised as a Master Mason in 1952 in Northville, Michigan, Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, demitted to Newport, Tennessee, Lodge #234, F&AM, in 1959; served two years as a Worshipful Master (1969 and 1973), achieved the highest position in the York Rite bodies of Masonry; serving and becoming the Past High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter (1964) in Newport, Tennessee; Past Thrice Illustrious Master of the Council Royal and Select Masters (1969); and Past Eminent Commander of the Commandery of Knights Templar (1970) in Morristown, Tennessee; Awarded the Order of the High Priesthood (1970), the Order of the Silver Trowel (1971), the Knight York Cross of Honour (1972), and the Order of the Knight Crusaders of the Cross (1986). Constituted a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Kerbela Temple, Knoxville, Tennessee (1961 and appointed Ambassador for Life). Appointed Colonel Aide-de-Camp, Governors Staff (Winfield Dunn, 1972). He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Jimmye Joye Harris; his mother and father; brothers, Foster Bryan, Denzil J., William Burdette, Glen Dale, Phillip Lee, and sister, Kathryn Margaret D’Hane. Survivors include his sister, Geneva Birchall; his five sons and their wives, Dr. Robert McClellan Jr. and Brenda; David James and Robin; Dr. Charles William and Anne; Craig Harris and Connie; Steven Holt and Pam. Also survived by grandchildren, Katharine, Kimberly, David Jr. (Heather), Katlyn, Amy, Emily, Robert, Matthew, Craig Jr. (Kendra), Jennifer, Michael, Lucas, and C.J. A memorial services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Newport on September 15 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send memorials to the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 304 Cosby Highway, Newport, TN 37821, or Hospice of Charleston, 3870 Leeds Ave.—Suite 101, North Charleston, SC 29405.
- [S147] Find a Grave, (Memorial: 20920911).
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