Caroll L. Kaiser

Caroll L. Kaiser, 88, of Walkersville, died Sunday, March 1, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Janet Sanders Johnston Kaiser, whom he married on November 3, 1990.

Born December 23, 1920, he was the son of the late Elroy J. and Violet (Lybarger) Kaiser. He graduated from Independence High School, Independence, Kansas, 1938, and obtained a degree from Chilicothe Business College in Missouri. After a short employment with the Sante Fe Railroad, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, was assigned to the Army Signal Corps, and served during World War II and the Korean Conflict, working at the Pentagon Telecommunications Center from 1946 until 1960, when he accepted the position of Branch Chief of the Traffic Division at Ft. Detrick. He retired as the Chief of Operations Division of the U.S. Army Communications Command, East Coast Telecommunications Center, a position he assumed in 1967. His duties were instrumental during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Kennedy - Johnson transition, and the Apollo Space Missions.

During retirement, he devoted his time to caring for his wife of forty years, Lora E. (Lindsey) Kaiser, who preceded him in death in 1989.

He was also preceded in death by stepmother, Blanche Kaiser, and stepbrother, Harold Baker, of Amarillo Texas, and dear friend, Russell Sherman, of Frederick.

As a 33-degree Mason, he belonged to the Masonic Lodge and the Ali Ghan Shrine, participating as a member of the Keystone Kopps for many years.

Active in promoting and supporting fundraisers for Shriner's Children's Hospital, he provided transportation to treatment facilities for several area children in need.

He enjoyed many friendships, gatherings, and especially spending time together with his wife, Janet. He also enjoyed his grandchildren, his step-dog, Truman, and working in his garden and yard.

He was a member of the Walkersville United Methodist Church, the Walkersville Fire Company; Francis Scott Key Post No. 11, American Legion, Frederick; Naval Lodge No. 4; Free Ancient and Accepted Masons, Washington, D.C.; Frederick Scottish Rite Bodies, Frederick; Chesapeake Consistory, Baltimore; Shriner Ali-Ghan Temple, Cumberland; and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Col.s, and Clan No. 42 Alleghany Mountains Hillbillies.

He is survived by a daughter, Anita E. Matthews, Frederick; grandson Daniel Matthews, and wife Carol, great-grandchildren Danielle Pastore, Ethan Matthews, and Claire Matthews of Salisbury, Maryland; and grandson Scott Matthews, and wife Kate Cavanaugh, of Columbia, Maryland.

He is also survived by a his brother Larry Kaiser, and wife Ruth, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; step-sister Ruth Martin of Amarillo, Texas; and nephews Larry W. Kaiser, Charles Kaiser, Thomas Kaiser, and nieces, Susan Eaton, Judy Lorenz, and Sally Kaiser, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation: The family is receiving friends from Thursday, March 5, from 6 - 9:00 p.m. at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD.

Services: The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Walkersville United Methodist Church, 22 Main Street, Walkersville, MD on Friday, March 6, with the Rev. Steve Humphrey presiding. Entombment follows the service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or the Walkersville United Methodist Church, at the above address.