Roger LeRoy Kingsley

Roger LeRoy Kingsley, age 79, of Lakeland, Florida and formerly of Marion passed away Saturday evening at his home in Florida. Roger was born January 3, 1936 in Richwood, Ohio to Harold L. and Marie S. (Reed) Kingsley. He married twice; his first wife of 30 years, Wilma D. (Carrel) Kingsley preceded him in death November 26, 1989 and they had two children together. He married his second wife; Esther Belle (Snyder) Kingsley on June 21, 1992 and she survives in Florida. They recently celebrated 23 wonderful years together. He is also survived by his daughter; Lisa K. Camm and his son; Mark (Kim) Kingsley, both of Marion, a step-daughter; Connie Sue (Gaston) Hazelwood of St. Petersburg, Florida, two sisters; M. Diane Tidd of Marion and Michal (Keith) High of North Carolina, a brother; Jimmy D. (Susie) Kingsley of Florida, 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Roger was preceded in death by his sister; Janet Cook and a grandchild. He was loved by all that knew him. Roger served his country for 6 years in the U.S. Army, 2 of which were served in Germany. He worked at Whirlpool leaving there in 1964 to pursue a career as a firefighter with the Marion City Fire Department. He worked as an EMT and retired as a Lieutenant after 24 years, retiring in 1988. Roger was a scoutmaster of several troops in Marion including his longest, troop 75, where he helped many young boys, 32 of which became Eagle Scouts including 3 of his grandsons; Christopher, Benjamin and Wyatt. He also served on the Boy Scout Troop 704 committee in Lakeland. He was also able to witness his granddaughter, Mary graduate at the top of her class. He became an artist and taught art classes. He was proud to be a member of the Marion Exchange Club and Habitat For Humanity and volunteered his time to the Muffet Cancer Hospital in Tampa, Florida and the American Cancer Society. He also taught classes for aspiring EMT's and was instrumental in getting the Kenton, Ohio EMT service up and running. Roger was a member of Central Christian Church in Marion and was active in Bethany Christian Church in Lakeland, Florida serving as an Elder at both and a choir member at Bethany. Roger shared his faith by living it daily, praising the Lord. His battle with cancer was on and off for 26 years, the last lasting 18 days. He fought to the end praising the Lord. He hoped that if you knew him, he had left a smile on your face and good feeling inside your heart. He will be waiting in Heaven to see you again. His family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Roger's memory to the Central Christian Church or the American Cancer Society and wishes to thank Cornerstone Hospice of Winter Haven, Florida for their kind and loving care of Roger during his final days.