William Keith “Bill” Kessler, 79, of Milroy, passed away Monday, July 11, 2016 at his residence.
He was born June 23, 1937, in Manilla, the son of William H. and Florence (Keppel) Kessler. He married Ruenell Bledsoe, his true love, on October 26, 1973, and she preceded him in death on June 11, 2011.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Della Sue Pavey of Milroy; his son-in-law and best friend, Paul Pavey of Milroy; brother, Paul Richard Kessler and wife, Ruth, of Waldron; sister, Eileen Mitchell; grandchildren, Kimberly Benson and husband, Mike, Nichole Perry and husband, T.J., Angie Ayrton and husband, David, Aaron Pavey and wife, Marisa, and Matt Pavey, great-grandchildren, Tyler, Maggie, Madison, Morgan, Kendall, Lauren, Brennan, Reece, Lillian and Ford; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Eddie Adams; and two sisters, Pauline Stickford and Pearl E. Kuhn.
Bill graduated from Waldron High School in 1955.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Bill was a member of Moscow Christian Church.
He retired as a truck driver for W.D. Kibler Trucking Company in 1979, with over 20 years of service. Bill was the owner and operator of Kessler Trucking Company from 1979 to 1996. He also drove a school bus for Shelby Eastern School District (Waldron) for over 10 years.
Bill enjoyed farming.
He loved his family and thrived on the traditions they had established.
Bill also leaves behind his beagle, Barney.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2016 at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Shelby County.
Memorial contributions may be made to Moscow Christian Church, 9098 S. River Road, Milroy, IN 46156.