of Conway, AR

September 23, 1931 - June 11, 2024

Charles David Kesler went to be with his heavenly Lord on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the age of 92. He was born on September 23, 1931 to Aletta and Lee Kesler in Olney, Illinois.

He was the youngest of two boys, with brother Elsworth being 9 years his senior.

Chuck graduated from East Richland High School in 1949 and was voted Best All Around by his senior class. Following graduation, Chuck worked at Gaffner's Jewelry until he was drafted. Chuck then served in the Army and fought in the Korean War for 18 months and was discharged in 1953. During his time in Korea, Chuck received word that First National Bank in Olney wanted him to apply for a position, which he did upon discharge. He got the job and continued to work at the bank for 38 years helping others and getting to know countless people.

On November 14, 1953, he married his high school classmate Marie May Jenkins. They had known each other since Junior High but did not date until after high school when, as he told it, ''He finally won her over!''. They had two children: David Lee and Cynthia Marie. Chuck loved his children dearly and supported them in all their activities. He coached Dave in baseball and spent countless hours driving the kids to various tournaments and ballgames on the weekends. One of Chuck's greatest memories was having a 1-0 record as a high school basketball coach after being called into action at one of Cendey's games when the coach was ejected and he picked Chuck from the stands and asked him to take over. Chuck loved his family and spending time with them. Some of his most cherished memories were of their weeklong summer ''vacations'' at their one-room cabin on Vernor Lake with no TV or air conditioning, spending the days fishing and swimming with the kids and nights catching fireflies.

Chuck was a member of First Church of Olney until July 2009 when he and Marie moved to Conway, Arkansas and transferred their membership to First Presbyterian Church in Conway. He could often be found in the kitchen serving or cleaning up after church dinners or helping set up the sanctuary for services. Chuck had a servant's heart and would volunteer anytime help was needed. He expected no praise or recognition, he was just happy to help others. He volunteered for years with Hospice in both Illinois and Arkansas and was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. Chuck loved to watch sports, especially basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals, and along with Marie attended as many UCA sporting events as they could.

Chuck was loved by many and will be missed greatly by those he left behind including son, David and wife, Jennifer of Zionsville, IN and daughter, Cendey Roberts and husband, Coy of Conway, AR. His three grandchildren that he loved and adored, Kesler Lauren (Roberts) Manning and husband, Emmett, Carson Coy Roberts and Elena Grace Kesler. He had one great grandchild, Parker Emmett Manning, that filled him with joy when they looked at books together or when Parker used grandpa as a jungle gym.

Also surviving is sister-in-law, Carol Jenkins and numerous nieces and nephews that he always loved like they were his own.

Chuck is rejoicing in heaven with Marie whom he had missed horribly the last nine months. He is also reunited with those who went before including his parents, Aletta and Lee; brother, Elsworth and sister-in-law, Phyllis Kesler Porter; niece, Lynne Kesler Pesce; sister-in-law, Jane Berry and husband, Jack; brother-in-law, Jim Jenkins and niece, Brenda Jenkins Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to :
Hospice Organization of your choice
First Church of Olney
First Presbyterian Church of Conway or
Any other deserving cause or organization.

Honoring Chuck and Marie's wishes we will be having a small graveside service in July when we take them back home to Olney together.

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