Obituaries

Robert D. Kessler

April 24th, 1952 – August 25th, 2018

Robert D. "Bob" Kessler, age 66 of Lewistown, IL, passed away at 9:22 am Saturday, August 25, 2018 at his home. He was born on April 24, 1952 in Canton, IL, the son of Clinton E. and Ferne E. (McMullen) Kessler. Robert married Gloria Fuqua in 1970. She preceded him in death. On August 27, 2011, Robert married Kristine Kays Large at Camp Emmanuel, South of Astoria, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Kelly (and Matthew) Sommers of Atlanta, GA, step-daughter Lori (and Mike) Oldenettel of Jacksonville, IL, step-son David (and Rochelle) Large of Jacksonville, IL, three grandchildren; Landon, Raegan, and Maddox Sommers, five step-grandchildren Nash, Kellon, and Beckham Oldenettel, and Brandon and Lynden Large, two step-great-grandchildren, Eli and Rosalie Large, and his sister, Sharon Cameron of Astoria, IL.

Robert was preceded in death by one son, Damon Kessler, one grandson Parker Oldenettel, one brother, Clinton “Jackie” Kessler, Jr., and his parents.

He was a member of the Woodland Church of the Brethren in Astoria. He was a good Christian man who put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was a constant witness for Him.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator. He also was an over the road truck driver and an excellent mechanic.

He was a member of the Army reserves.

Robert loved collecting antique tractors, working to restore them. His hobby was his work and giving unto others. He loved his family, spending as much time as he could with them.

Services will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lewistown Church of the Nazarene. Pastors Randy Munson, Stanley Stambaugh, and Barbara Sawyer will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 30th from 4-7 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Interment will be in the Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Robert D. Kessler memorial fund.

Condolences

August 27th, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Bob was a great friend and will be dearly missed.

August 27th, 2018

So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He was a great friend for many years. Thoughts to you all in this time of loss.
Wendell & DeeVon Schisler

August 27th, 2018

Sorry for your lost Kris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Jim, Karen, and Allen Hopkins

August 27th, 2018

thinking of you and ptaying for all of you love you bunches Kris

August 27th, 2018

Praying for you Kris and the family. Our deepest sympathies. Jo Ellen and Randy Doyle

August 27th, 2018

Prayers Gary Marilyn Kimbro

August 27th, 2018

Sorry to hear about Bob's passing..Prayers for you Kris and all the family.

Carroll and Dona Wickert

August 27th, 2018

Sorry for you’re loss!
Pete & Dee Egleton

August 27th, 2018

So sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort! Jimmy and Debbie Derry

August 28th, 2018

Our love and prayers go out to all who loved Bob, his family and friends and it was such a blessing to know him and Kris , and asked my husband Greg Beach to marry them , it was truly a honor to know him and Kris and his family , his dedication to God , his community of Astoria, to his church and dedication to Jesus Christ knowing he is now at peace , no pain , and being with God we are truly blessed and thankful for his loving spirit of love to us and to others , we love you all to his family and friends and may the Lord give you comfort and peace that we too will see Bob and the face of our Lord Jesus Christ and it will be a glorious day indeed , Greg and Vonna Beach from Harrisburg,Pa

August 28th, 2018

Wanted to tell you the memories of Bob , he told us when he was driving his truck on a winter night hauling railroad ties , he had trouble with his truck from the wintry road but he told us that God was there with him and loved his stories of life about his family and fun times we are truly blessed by his spirit of love to others !! Thank you for allowing me to say this , Greg and Vonna Beach

August 28th, 2018

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Hugs & prayers. Mark & Mary S Clayton

August 28th, 2018

Sympathy & Prayers
Dennis & Cyndi Ratcliff

August 28th, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss. Myra Prueter

August 28th, 2018

I have fond memories of Bob from Woodland Church days. I’m so sorry for your loss. Kathleen (Myers) Drecktrah

August 28th, 2018

Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Growing up he was like an Uncle to all of us Biesenthal kids...prayers to the family!!

August 28th, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers for your family. Bob was a wonderful friend to our family for as long ad I can remember. Brad and Tina (Derry) Batterton.

August 28th, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Have known him for years

August 28th, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Jim & Jody Crook

August 28th, 2018

Bob was a great friend for so many years will miss him!!! Prayers for his family

August 28th, 2018

I’m so sorry to learn of Bob’s death. My prayers go out to your family.

Sandy Smith -Brian & Alex Fulton’s mom

August 28th, 2018

Sorry for your loss i will always remmember spending a couple days working with bob moving railroad equipment he was a great guy.

August 28th, 2018

So sorry for your loss, you're in our thoughts and prayers. Daniel and Becky Hamm

August 29th, 2018

So sorry about Bob! He was a
good friend % great road commissioner! Gene & Connie

August 29th, 2018

Bob was always so special to us. We are so sorry.Wendell and Alice Clanin

August 29th, 2018

So sorry for your loss Kris, our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

August 29th, 2018

We are sorry for your loss Kris, our thoughts & prayers to you & your family. Mark & Kay Lovekamp

August 30th, 2018

So sorry for your loss Kris! The Violet Wickert family really appreciated Bob treating her like a second Mother since her family lived so far away. Bob was always so thoughtful on special occasions

August 30th, 2018

Sorry for your loss.
Gary and Sherry Crum

August 31st, 2018

Sorry for your loss. May the gathering of family and friends help ease your pain.
God bless you all.
Sandra K. Yocum

September 4th, 2018

Sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I enjoyed when he would stop in our business in Havana, he was always so full of it. He was a great guy. Judy Karl

April 14th, 2020

I remember coming down to there farm when he was a young boy. His mom was my dads half sister. I remember seeing him and his sister Sharon

April 14th, 2020

I remember coming down to there farm when he was a young boy. His mom was my dads half sister. I remember seeing him and his sister Sharon. Charles Emig