Keith Kessler

Harold "Keith" Kessler, age 92, of Louisville and formerly of Kinmundy went to be with Jesus at 3:45 am, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Flora, Illinois.

Keith was born on September 9, 1932, in Texas County, Missouri, the son of Harold and Etha Faye (Vestal) Kessler. In 1939, the extended Kessler family moved from Missouri to the Oskaloosa area for more opportunities for farming.

Keith went to grade school at Oskaloosa and then graduated from North Clay High School in 1950. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War with an honorable discharge in 1952. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran.

Keith married Carolyn Hale in 1954. Together, they built a legacy of faith, family, and friendship.

In November 2024, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. To their four daughters, they have always been affectionately referred to as "Mother and Daddy".

Through the years, Keith had many titles: farmer, general store owner, school bus driver, over the road truck driver, and owner of a small trucking company. But the title he was most proud of was being a Jesus follower. He was a life-long member of the Iola Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and volunteered whenever he could at the church. There are many stories of Keith stopping to help stranded people along the road, assisting after accidents, and humbly lending a helping hand to those in need. Anyone who knew Keith loved him and considered him a friend.

He really enjoyed spending time with is children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He especially looked forward to Thanksgiving each year when the entire family would gather at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp to celebrate.

Woodworking and creating replicas of one room school houses and churches brought him a lot of joy. He liked to garden and always kept his yard well manicured. He and Carolyn's yard were used for many family gatherings: they had a wonderful hill for sliding; lots of landscaping to hide Easter Eggs; and a beautiful pond for fishing.

Keith's legacy lives on through those he is survived by including his wife Carolyn; four daughters: Cindy (Roger) Bonham of Xenia, Julie (Stan) Blank of Wayne City, Becky (Randy) Bailey of Louisville, Twila (Matt) Murphy of DuQuoin; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters: Lynette (Jesse) Bonham of Xenia, and Bonnie Byers of Effingham.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Faye Kessler; and his in-laws: Levi and Flossie Hale.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the amazing staff of Heritage Woods in Flora and Clay County Hospice. They went above and beyond in caring for Keith and his family during this difficult time.

It was Keith's wishes for cremation and a private family service will be held at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Inurnment at Oskaloosa Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Keith's memory to either Heritage Woods Activity Fund or to Clay County Hospice.

The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the family's care and the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Keith, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.