John R. Kessler

SERVICES: A Celebration of John's Life will take place 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014 at First United Methodist located at 618 8th St. Columbus. OFFICIATING: Pastor Chris Lance, Rev. David Burnett and Rev. Tony McClendon. VISITATION: 2:00 till service time. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: In Lieu of Flowers the family requests East Athletic Track team, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Mill Race Center or Charity of the Donors choice. John R. Kessler, 75, of Beech Dr, died at 3:45 p.m.June 15 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. John was born February 20, 1939 in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Russell E. and Nadene Taylor Kessler. He married Nancy Phillips September 1, 1963. John graduated from Tell City High School. He attended Indiana University and then transferred to Indiana State University in Terre Haute where he completed his education in 1963. John always taught in the high school science department beginning his career at Tell City High School for two years. He then moved to Miami Norland High School in Miami, Florida where he taught for eight years. The remainder of his teaching career was at Columbus East High School, where he retired from. Upon retirement, John re-entered teaching at North High School and Hope Elementary along with Ivy Tech North Vernon and Columbus Campuses. John was a high school sports athletic coach for 50 years coaching at Columbus East, Columbus North and Hauser High Schools. He was an assistant football coach at East, an assistant boys and girls basketball coach at both East and Hauser, the wrestling assistant coach at East, gymnastics assistant coach at east, boys and girls head tennnis coach as well as assistant coach at East, the Columbus East track hurdle coach and the diving coach at both Columbus East and North High Schools. John was a member of First United Methodist Church. He loved gardening and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; son, Todd A. (Sharon) Kessler of Taylorsville, IN; daughter, Angela L. (Greg) Potts of Hope; brother, Alan (Donna) Kessler of Tell City; grandchildren, Megan (Robbie) Sessions, Anna Land, Zachary Land, Stacy Land, Trevor Potts, Adam Kessler, Tyler Kessler, Trace Kessler, Christian Kessler, Ella Grace Kessler; and great-grandchildren, Rylan Sessions, Rebeckah Sessions, Brody Sessions and Noah Shipley. He was preceded in death by his parents.

John R. Kessler

February 20, 1939 - June 21, 2014