Charles Allen Kessler

CHARLES A. KESSLER STUARTS DRAFT, VA.. Charles Allen Kessler, 96, widower of Lorene Virginia (Southard) Kessler, of Stuarts Draft Retirement Community, died Sunday, September 15, 2013 at his residence. He was born July 30, 1917, in Botetout County, a son of the late Ira P. and Helen (Sumner) Kessler. Mr. Kessler was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Prior to retirement, he was employed by DuPont with 36 years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Brotherhood of the church. He was a member of the Augusta Lions Club. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ambrose Kessler and James Kessler. Family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Doris Kessler of Greenville; a sister, Virginia Gregory; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Kessler and Kathleen Southard; four grandchildren, Keith Kessler and his wife, Trish, Kevin Kessler, Michael Kessler and his wife, Kelli, and Rachel E. Kessler; three great grandchildren, Rachel A. Kessler, Tori Kessler, and Ashton Kessler; and a special friend, Sylvia Fitzgerald. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 on Thursday (September 19, 2013) in Thornrose Cemetery by the Rev. Dr. Steve Traylor and Pastor James "Jamie" McClanahan. The family will receive friends at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Doris Kessler, 311 Poor Creek Lane, Greenville. Memorials may be made to the Brotherhood of First Baptist Church, 406 W. Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or to Augusta Lions Club, P.O. Box 2613, Staunton, VA 24402. Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.