Ronald David Kessler

Ronald David Kessler, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Spring, Texas, on April 24, 2024. Ron was born in Houston, Texas, on November 3, 1942, to Jackie June and Leslie J. Kessler, Jr. As an only child, he was beloved by his parents and grandparents and was especially close to his father with whom he remained best friends until his father’s death.

Ron was a voracious reader and music collector (jazz and R&B among his favorites). He was a sports kid growing up, playing the big three and excelling at them all, but baseball was his true passion. He grew up part of the knothole kids generation when the outfield fences were wood, and kids could watch games through the many holes in stadium fences. He would sit outside old Buffalo Stadium staring through those holes dreaming of playing there himself. After moving to California, he coached and served on the board for the North Long Beach Junior Baseball Association for many years where he built close, long-term relationships with many of his players. It was through North Long Beach Baseball that he met his wife and soulmate Patricia “Pam” Kessler while coaching her son. Ron was a truck driver and was dedicated to protecting workers’ rights through his work on the Teamsters board.

Ron is survived by his children Glenda Lyons (Woody), Tracy Ramirez, Terri Smith, Ronda Hilsabeck (Steven), and Jason Marland (Sheila), 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Pam, mother June, and father Leslie.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, followed by a memorial service from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, 77038. Graveside service will follow at 1:30pm at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX, 77038.