Charles Calvert Kessler Jr. departed this earthly life to eternal life at his home in rural St. James, Missouri on Thursday, June 25, 2009. He was 67 years, 10 months and 30 days of age.

Charles Kessler was born on July 26, 1941 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania to his parents: Charles Calvert Sr. and Julia (nee Ritz) Kessler. On December 6, 1962 he was united in marriage to Diana Lynn LaMonica in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

He was baptized into the name of the Triune God as an infant and confirmed that faith given in baptism on April 3, 1955 in Pennsylvania.

Charles Kessler Jr. is survived by his wife of the home: Diana (LaMonica ) Kessler of St. James, Missouri; one son: Charles Calvert III and wife Kathryn, Cole and Cade Kessler of Glendale, Arizona; one daughter: Cheryl-lyn Adele Philo and husband James of Seattle, Washington; two sisters: Barbara Mullen and husband Thomas of Campton, N. H.; and Lois Wagner and husband Paul of Chicago, Illinois; one brother: Brian and wife Holly, extended family and friends. Charles will be dearly missed by his surviving family, extended family and friends.

Preceding Charles Kessler Jr. in death are his parents: Charles Calvert Sr. and Julia (Ritz) Kessler.

Chuck honorably served in the United States Air Force for twenty-three years and retired in the State of Washington September 1982 achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Chuck received many Medals and Decorations during his military service among them are The Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device. Chuck served on the Lake Stevens City Council many years and was Past President of the Lake Stevens Lions Club. Chuck and Diana moved to Missouri in 1991. Chuck worked for the Missouri State Conservation for over 10 years while operating their Campground "Pheasant Acres". Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering in his barn, always keeping busy during the day and sitting around the campfire at night. His culinary interest focused on a holistic and nutritional approach which included a passion for making homemade bread.

Services
Visitation for Charles Kessler Jr. will be from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. time of service on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 A.M. on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. James, Missouri with Rev. Jeff Schanbacher officiating. Pallbearers will be Bruce Brown, Michael Jacquin, Jack Lansberry, Robert Mounce, Gary Raymond, and Henry Sethhaler. Jean Stevens will be the organist and Frankie Stevens, vocalist.

Memorials may be given to S. John Lutheran Church "Christ Through all Generations Fund" or Phelps County Hospice.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.