Lawrence Lowell Keesor

Today we celebrate the life of Lawrence Lowell Keesor who went to be with our Lord and Savior on October 22, 2025 at the age of 95. Lawrence was born in West Virginia to Reverend Ernest W. Keesor and Ruby Leona Keesor (nee Langdon). He was one of seven children.

After graduating from Parkersburg High School he answered the call to the ministry. Lawrence earned his pastoral degree from Owosso Bible College in Michigan where he met and married Ruth Esther Keesor (nee Camper). Together they raised four daughters. His faithfulness to God's calling led him to spend his career serving as lead pastor in several churches, which included Munising, MI, Breckenridge, MI, Jackson, MI, Traverse City, MI, and Fort Myers, FL. His final years of active ministry were spent serving as District Superintendent of the North Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church, where his guidance, humility, and steadfast faith left a lasting mark on countless lives.

As a father, Lawrence raised his daughters in the faith. He included his daughters in church worship services as the family often provided special music, with Ruth Esther on the piano. They encouraged their daughters to be strong, compassionate, God- fearing, independent women. All four daughters graduated college.

Lawrence was a devoted husband. Ruth Esther and he loved each other and loved serving the Lord. It was truly a pastoral partnership. Their lives were centered on faith, family and service to others. Lawrence lovingly cared for Ruth Esther as she battled Parkinson's disease later in life. They were married for 44 years. After Ruth Esther’s passing in 1995, Lawrence continued to live out his calling with grace and gratitude.

In time, God brought new companions into his life to share in love and ministry once again. Lawrence would marry Donna Gibbs, a close family friend, after both had lost their spouses. Lawrence's family grew to include Donna's children Fred, Janet and Priscilla. Lawrence and Donna lived happily in Knoxville, TN and wintered in the Wesleyan Village in Brooksville, FL for many years.

After Donna's passing, God sent Ruth Annette Godsey into Lawrence's life. They would marry in Brooksville, Florida and spend many years celebrating their love for each other. Once again, Lawrence's family expanded to welcome Ruth's son, Troy.

Lawrence and Ruth Annette shared many years together enjoying life together while serving the Wesleyan church in Brooksville, FL. During the construction of the new church building, they served on planning and interior design committees and communicated with the church family, providing regular updates on the progress of the construction. Additionally, they planned and hosted the Wesleyan Village music nights for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Lawrence and Ruth Annette were wed for 22 years. In Lawrence's final years, Ruth Annette lovingly cared for Lawrence as he faced increasing health challenges. Love conquers all!

Whether it be preaching on Sunday, leading hymns or children's Sunday School choruses, to visiting the sick, and making a ham sandwich for a homeless man who knocked on the personage door, Lawrence devoted his life to the glorification and furtherance of God's Kingdom. His life was a sermon of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.

"Well done good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:23)

Lawrence was preceded in death by wife, Ruth Esther; wife, Donna; parents, and siblings, Lyle, Doris, William (Bud), Richard, and Noel and stepdaughter, Janet.

He is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Ruth Annette; sister, Helen; daughters, Cheryl Keesor, Diane Sayers (Stephen), Carolyn Keesor, Brenda Taylor (John); step children, Priscilla, Fred, Troy; grandchildren, Alissa, Bethany, Matthew, Victoria, Tiffany, Alex, Jenna and eight great grandchildren.

No services will be scheduled at this time. Friends and family may share condolences at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com or can be sent directly to the family.