Ross Henry Lessentine

Ross Henry Lessentine passed away in his sleep on 8 December 2016.

Born 19 June 1924 to Viola Lessentine Mack in Lakeside, Ohio, Ross grew up in the Lakeside area and graduated high school shortly after Pearl Harbor. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the U.S. Navy. After training, he was stationed near Trenton, New Jersey, where he met Marjorie Hammond of Washington’s Crossing. They were married 21 July 1945.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Ross worked at the brass foundry owned by his father-in-law, Willard Hammond, but decided to attend college. Ross and Marge moved to Wooster, Ohio in 1947, where he attended the College of Wooster, majoring in Geology.

In 1950, having earned his Bachelor’s degree, Ross moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to attend Lehigh University and earn a Master’s degree. He completed his degree in Geology in 1952. The family then headed for Lubbock, Texas and a job with Standard of Indiana. Over the years, Ross and Marge raised two daughters and supported their activities in school and Girl Scouts. For his own entertainment, he played golf.

In 1966, Ross was transferred to New Orleans, which became his permanent home. His company ultimately became Amoco, but Ross stayed with them faithfully until his first retirement in the early 1980s. He took a position with Louisiana Land & Exploration for several more years until his second retirement.

Over the years, Ross and his family were active in the Presbyterian Church in whatever town they were living, finally making their church home at Woodland Presbyterian in New Orleans. Ross served as an Elder of the Church on several occasions, as well as being co-organizer with his wife Marge of the Shepherds, a group which visited shut-ins. He also participated in

Ross was a member of the Carnival Krewe of Janus, serving as a Duke on two different occasions. His daughter Marilyn was a Maid in the Court of 1974.

From 1969, Ross was also a member of Kiwanis International, and very active in service. He was President of his local club, Lieutenant-Governor of the Louisiana, Mississippi, West Tennessee District, and then edited the club newsletter for many years.

Ross was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years in 2009.

He is survived by two daughters, Marge (Mrs. Thomas) Roberts and Marilyn (Mrs. Harry L. Jr.) Alm; two grandchildren, Wendy (Mrs. Matt) Seidl of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and Brett Roberts of Chicago, Illinois. There are also three great-grandchildren, Liam, Kyan, and Keira Seidl.

Ross was a man truly dedicated to his God, his Country, and his Family. The world is far poorer for his absence, and he is greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at Woodland Presbyterian Church, at 2:00 PM on 20 January 2017 at Woodland Presbyterian Church, 5824 Berkley Drive New Orleans, LA 70131.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ross’ name to Woodland Presbyterian Church at the above address or to the Kiwanis Club of Algiers, 5244 General Meyer Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70131