Carl I. Kistner

Carl I. Kistner, 85, owner of Kistner Machine and Welding Works located in North Charleston, South Carolina, died November 10, 2016 at Roper St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, SC. The funeral will be held Monday, November 14, 2016, at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road, at 11:00 a.m. Interment, Carolina Memorial Park with military honors and Masonic service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Northwoods Chapel. Mr. Kistner was born August 12, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in the Children's Home of Cleveland, and by his adoptive parents, Edith and Carl Kistner of Cleveland.

Mr. Kistner served 11 years with the US Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. In service, he held the rating of machinist and also served on the Underwater Demolition Team during the Korean Conflict. He finalized his service aboard numerous naval ships, of which the USS Salem was his "baby," and until his death, he annually made week long trips to Boston, where it was drydocked to meet with fellow shipmates to attend to repairs and maintenance issues. He also served 10 years in the South Carolina State Guard and attained the rank of major before retiring.

Not only did he serve his country, but he served his state and community as well. Mr. Kistner was: the 32nd Degree Knight Commander Court of Honor for the Scottish Rite Valley of Charleston; Past Worshipful Master of Solomon's Lodge No. 1; Past President of the Charleston County Masonic Association; Past Patron of Charleston Chapter No. 56, Order of the Easter Star; Past Grand Steward of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina; Charleston York Rite Bodies; Past High Priest of Carolina Chapter No. 1; Past Illustrious Master of Enoch Council No. 1; Past Eminent Commander of South Carolina Commandery No. 1; Member of the Joel W. Frampton, Jr. Council No. 85 Knight Masons; Knight York Cross of Honor; Member of the Order of the Purple Cross of the York Rite College; Past Governor of Charles Towne York Rite College No. 113; and Past Sovereign Master Charles Town Council No. 195 Allied Masonic Degrees.

His community service included: 25 years of service as a Boy Scout leader and was a recipient of the prestigious Silver Beaver Award; served as a member of the Color Guard Unit of the Washington Light Infantry; Past Post Commander of the Mark Clark Post #10; American Legion of SC; Life Member of the American Legion Post 147 - James Island, SC; Life Member VFW, North Charleston - Post 3142; Past President of The American Welding Society; member of the Executives Association of Charleston; The Charleston Rifle Club; The Charles Towne Long Rifles; The Sumter Guard; The Palmetto Guard; Confederate Re-enactor of Charleston; Elks Club; The German Friendly Society; Tin Can Sailors Association; Cruiser Sailor Association; USS Salem Association; and a faithful member of Ashley River Baptist Church of Charleston, SC.

He is survived by his children: Robert A. Kistner of North Charleston, SC, Janet Kistner Power of Stuart, FL, and Carl I. Kistner, Jr. (Patricia) of Port St. Lucie, FL; grandchildren: Kirsten E. Power, James S. Power III, Kelley and Jamie Booth; step-children: Joshua Herndon (Nancy) of Dexter, ME, Ginnie Delaney (Harold) of Middleburg, FL, David Herndon of Moncks Corner, SC, Betty Bender (Jeff) of Sumter, SC, and Leon Herndon of Goose Creek, SC; and many step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving companion, Ginnie Yarborough of Charleston, SC.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the doctors and staff from the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, NHC Rehab Center, and Roper St. Francis Hospital, with special thanks to the wonderful nurses at Roper St. Francis Hospital Patient Critical Unit and the Palliative Care Team.