Bobby E. Kessler, 75, of Springdale, Fayette County, went home to be with the Lord on September 25, 2021 following a chronic illness.
Born February 18, 1945 in Quinwood, WV; Bobby was the son of the late Harry Ernest Kessler and Alice Belle Hayes Kessler.
As a young man at the age of 16, he served his country in the US Navy, going aboard the USS ALBANY C G-10, the ship was christened shortly following this making him a plank owner. He served three years on board, then 25 more years in the reserves serving with the Seabee Unit, with his final promotion being a Chief E-5 Petty Officer.
Bobby was a Technician for General Motors in Flint, Michigan retiring following 30 years of dedicated service. Bobby earned a 5th Degree Black Belt in Judo during his years in Flint, traveling with his instructor, teaching and training Judo. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Elaine (Teetle), moved to Springdale living out the rest of his life. For the last 10 years they wintered in Florida where they attended Beulah Baptist Church with Pastor Roger Phillips.
In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his daughter, DeAnna Lynn Kessler in February 2021; five sisters, Alice Faye, Wanda, twin sister, Betty, Janet and Sherry.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine; granddaughter, Hannah Elaine Redden; grandson, Noah Mason Kessler Redden; great-grandson, Dawson; two brothers, Ira Kessler and Butch Kessler; many nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.
A service to celebrate the life of Bobby Ernest Kessler will be held 11:00AM Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley with Pastor Roger Fox of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Backus Mountain officiating. Following the service Bobby will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Military Honors will be provided by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard and family and friends will be serving as pallbearers.
Friends may gather with the family from 5:00PM until 7:00PM Friday at the funeral home.
Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com
The family requests for the safety and well being of all those in attendance, that facial coverings please be worn and social distancing please be practiced.
Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be serving the Kessler Family.
PALLBEARERS
Family and Friends
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18