Harold Foster “Butch” Kessinger, Jr., age 80, of Richardson, Texas, passed away on January 2, 2021. He was born on September 2, 1940, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, the son of Harold Foster and Esther Louise (McLaughlin) Kessinger.
Butch graduated from Landon High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1958, and then went on to The University of Florida in Gainesville where he pledged Kappa Sigma. He graduated with a degree in Accounting in 1963. Before that, he joined the United States Army Reserves where he served for 8 years.
Butch first worked as a CPA at Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was there where he found his passion for Information Technology. He was next recruited by Montgomery Ward and made the move to Chicago, Illinois, where he met the love of his life, Lynne. Butch and Lynne were married on May 9, 1970. He next worked for Electronic Data Systems which took them from Chicago to San Francisco where his only child, Tracey, was born. Ultimately, EDS brought the family to Dallas, Texas, his forever home. Shortly after moving to Texas, he invited his then 12-year-old brother-in-law, William “Bill” Parnitke, to live with them and be a part of his family.
After leaving EDS, Butch joined Tres Computer Systems and then worked briefly as a consultant. In 1984, he joined JCPenney Business Services, Inc. JCPBSI became just BSI which then became Alliance Data Systems. Alliance Data Systems acquired Sears Payment Services in 1999, and Butch was the lead for the entire migration. ADS sold their Network Services Division to Heartland Payment Systems in 2008, and Heartland was ultimately acquired by Global Payments in 2016. Butch finally, happily retired in the summer of 2017.
During retirement, Butch enjoyed traveling with family and friends and long walks with his four-legged companion, Barkley. He also attended every sporting event or activity that any of his grandchildren participated in. Butch was a quiet, reserved and conservative man with the biggest heart, the best smile and the wittiest sense of humor. He fiercely loved his family and friends.
Butch is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lynne (Parnitke), his daughter and son-in-law, Tracey & Mark Lindley, his grandchildren, Emma, Tanner & Campbell, his sister, Carol Jenney, his “adopted” son, Bill Parnitke, his constant companion, Barkley, numerous nieces, nephews and other family and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Butch will be remembered most for his infectious smile, his love of long walks on the beach, the Florida Gators and his affectionate nicknames, Boo and Padre Jesus. Until we meet again…
A memorial service will be held at a later date when it is safer for more people to attend.