FRANK J. KEMENDO
Frank J. Kemendo was born in Waco, Texas, on September 23, 1919. He is preceded in Eternity by his first wife of 47 years, Virginia Rose Callaway, his second wife of 16 years, Annetta Ruth McNair, and his two sisters, Marie Joyce Hutcherson and Vera Christine Gregory.
The son of Chris Joe Kemendo, Jr. and Julia Biglow, Frank’s father was a fruit merchant and his mother a housekeeper. Frank’s grandmother, originally from Louisiana, spoke only French, and his Grandfather, who immigrated from Sicily and spoke only Italian, called him “petilo” (my little one).
His parents, Catholics, allowed the 12-year old Frank to attend Sunday School at the Church of the Nazarene in Waco, where he first met, and ultimately married, Virginia Rose Callaway. Frank and Virginia both attended Waco High, where Frank excelled in his studies, receiving the academic honor award for the Class of 1937. Virginia frequently expressed how impressed she was with that singular distinction, and they were married in 1939.
Upon graduation, Frank began a promising career working in a local bank. The call of duty during World War II, however, required his considerable financial and management skills, and he served as a paymaster in the Army Air Corps for the duration. While in the Air Corps at San Angelo, Frank was called to a higher service as a minister of the Gospel, and between 1943-46 he received his initial theological training and licensure as minister in the Church of the Nazarene. Following the War, Frank and Virginia moved to Oklahoma City so that Frank could attend Bethany Nazarene College in preparation for the ministry. While studying at Bethany, he also served in the business office, eventually being named business manager in 1946. After a brief interim period in Pasadena, California, Frank and Virginia returned to Oklahoma, where, between 1949 and 1958, they pastored churches in Fairview, Blackwell, Hooker, and Oklahoma City. In 1950, Frank completed his BA degree at Bethany, also being ordained an Elder that same year. Frank and Virginia returned to Texas in 1959, and pastored churches in Port Arthur, Texas City, and Beaumont. Between 1981 and his retirement in 1985, Frank served as part-time pastor to the Houston First and Groves churches.
Frank is survived in this life by his beloved sister-in-law, Willo May Beresford, his two adopted children, Robert Blaine, and Brenda Rose, and his grandchildren Justin, Jacob, and Janah Jett, and Andrew Kemendo. All of Annetta’s children, grandchildren, and his friends also bear him in fond memory. The sum total of those who were in some way touched by his ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is known only by the Lord.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive followed by a graveside service on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 10:00 A.M. at Waco Memorial Park in Waco, Texas under the direction of Broussard’s, North Major Drive. A gathering of family and friends will be Monday, September 5, 2005 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 297153, Houston, Texas 77292.
