James Baldwin Kessel

James Baldwin Kessel passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at the age of 90 at his home in the care of his loving family. James was an U.S. Army veteran of WWII and was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge. After his service, he graduated from Carnegie Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a long time employee of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. A native of Massillon, Ohio, he was a resident of Baton Rouge for the past 46 years. He was an active parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and a member of the Holy Name Society. His faith sustained him during his long struggle with declining memory. He is survived by his son, James G. Kessel (Deborah), and daughters Ann Good (Bennie), Carrie Davis (Craig), and Jean Fontenot (Gary); grandchildren Tanya Wilson Stilley, Andrew Kessel Good (Nina), Katelyn Ruth Good, Claire Louise Davis, Chad Benjamin Davis, Curt Timothy Davis, Cole Jonathan Davis, Kristin Renee Carbo (Nathan), Rachel Carinn Fontenot, and Virginia Ella Fontenot; and great-grandchildren Oliver and Evelyn Carbo; his brothers Ted Kessel (Jean) and John Kessel (Janet). He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Wentzel Kessel, and his parents, Ralph and Ella Kessel. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., beginning at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., with rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 29th. Visitation will resume at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, October 30th, at 10:00 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, October 31st, at 10:00 a.m., at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph Hospice, Cancer Center of Baton Rouge, or the charity of your choice .