Clifford Howell Ransdell

C. H. ¡§Cliff¡¨ Ransdell was born at Breckenridge, Texas, November 24, 1909, to William Francis and Jeddie Ransdell. On April 3, 1932, he married Alice Ruby Kimzey of Snyder, Texas. They are the parents of Billy Hal Ransdell, an engineer at Albuquerque; and Bettiann Griffey, a teacher at Wichita Falls.

Companion Ransdell received the BS Degree in Math at Texas Tech University; a BS in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A & M; Advanced Degree in College Administration at the University of Texas; and a Doctor of Science from Howard Payne.

Dr. Ransdell¡¦s professional societies and honor fraternities include: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (P); American Society of Mechanical Engineering Education (P); Phi Eta Sigma (Honor); Phi Delta Kappa (Industrial Education); Iota Lambda Delta (Honor); Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering-Honor); Tau Beta Pi (Engineering).

He was first employed at Texas A & M as Instructor in 1937, and worked through the ranks to Professor; Chairman of Engineering Design Graphics and Assistant to the Dean of Engineering A & M Annex, 1947; then Associated Dean and Administrative head of the Basic Division; then served as Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering until retirement.

Other activities include: Registered Professional Engineer #11731; Consulting Engineer Practice; Pre-Engineering Program Consultant; Liaison Officer between two-year and four-year Colleges and Universities of Texas. Former Mayor Pro-tem and City Councilman, City of College Station; former director and treasurer Byan-College Station Chamber of Commerce. Speakers Forum; deacon, trustee and 12 year Sunday School Superintendent, First Baptist; supervised building three church buildings; helped build the first Baptist Student Center in Texas and was State Faculty Advisor for Baptist Student Work.

MASONIC HISTORY

Raised a Master Mason in Sul Ross Lodge No. 1300, A.F.&A.M., College Station, Texas, July 11, 1953; served as Worshipful Master, 1958-59 and again in 1971-72; is a Life Member and current Chaplain. Was District Deputy Grand Master of the 29th Masonic District 1972-73; was appointed Grand Orator of the M:W: Grand Lodge, 1973-74; was a member of the Grand Master¡¦s Regional Conference Team the Bi-Centennial year, 1976; helped start Oral History TV tapes for the Grand Lodge; and has served on the Masonic Education and Services Committee of the Grand Lodge, 1976 to the present.

Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in W.T. Austin Chapter No. 87, R.A.M., Bryan, Texas, October 30, 1961, and served as High Priest 1977-78, and the present Chaplain. He served the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas as District Deputy Grand High Priest of the 11th Capitular District in 1978. Served as E: Grand Orator in 1979-80; and is serving as the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Kansas near the Grand Chapter of Texas. He was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe in 1980, passed through the Chairs and was elected and installed as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas on December 6, 1983 and served during the year 1984.

Companion Ransdell was Greeted in W.T. Austin Council No. 52, R.&S.M., Bryan, Texas, November 21, 1961. Served as Thrice Illustrious Master 1976-1977, and is the present Chaplain. He served the Grand Council of Royal & Select Master of Texas as District Deputy Grand Master of the 11th Cryptic District in 1978.

He was Knighted in Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8, K.T., Bryan, Texas, on March 13, 1962, and served as Commander in 1976 and again in 1977. He is a life sponsor of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and has served multi-years on the Membership Committee.

Received the Scottish Rite degrees in the Houston Scottish Rite Bodies, April 13 through May 4, 1957. Invested Knight Commander Court of Honor, October 18, 1971; coroneted Inspector General Honorary, 33„a, November 19, 1975. Alternate Degree Master 19th Degree; Past President Steve Cooke Scottish Rite Association 1970-74; Wise Master Houston Chapter Rose Croix, 1978; member Inspector General¡¦s Advisory Conference in Houston, 1983; Area Membership Committee; Scottish Rite Foundation of Texas; Board of Trustees Scottish Rite Benevolent Association.

He is an Associate Member, Texas Lodge of Research, 1976; member Knights of the York Cross of Honour, September 2, 1978; San Jacinto Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, and Degree Master of St. John the Evangelist Order 1976 to present; ordained in Resurrection Tabernacle No. XXI, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, January 1, 1982; Order of the Silver Trowel and Order of High Priesthood, December 6, 1977; Royal Order of Scotland, October 1, 1977; York Rite College No. 14, May 5, 1976; College Station Chapter No. 1026, Order of the Eastern Star, and served as Chaplain; member of Arabia Temple Shrine and a member of the Past Masters Club; Chairman, DeMolay Chapter Advisory Council of the Brazos Valley Chapter Order of DeMolay, Brazos Valley No. 378, National Sojourners.