William M. Kessler

William M. "Bill" Kessler, age 79 of New Paris, Ohio, died on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Rosebud Village (former Rosegate) of Richmond, Indiana after a lengthy illness. Bill was born on November 5, 1933 in the former Kessler Funeral Home in New Paris, Ohio. Bill had many talents. He retired from Birchwood Genetics, West Manchester, Ohio. Bill was a truck driver for many years from hauling coil steel to caskets. He also was the night custodian for the Morrison Reeves library and worked at Bud Reid Garage. Prior to this, he served as a Preble County Deputy Sheriff and also had served as the Police Chief of New Paris.

Preceded in death by his parents, the former New Paris Funeral Director, Elwood M. & Ertie M. (Fowble) Kessler; daughter, Donna Jo Schweizer; sisters, Gladys (Chuck) Patrick, Mary Jane (Bill) Alberts and Ruth Anna; brothers, Harry (Marie Heironimus) Kessler, Joseph Kessler and Frank (Betty Baumgardner) Kessler.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia J. Moore; son & daughter-in-law, Daniel & Pamela (Jensen) Kessler; daughter & son-in-law, Linda & Ron Phillips II; son-in-law, Allen (Butch) Schweizer; grandsons, Ned Schweizer, Scott (Mindy Denlinger) Schweizer and William Adam Phillips; great grandchildren, Wiley, Wyatt, Brendall, Kaitlyn, Kelsie and Karson Schweizer; sister in law, Marilyn (Jacob) Kessler; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We want to Thank "All" the staff at Rosebud Village for his care, you were all so wonderful to him.

Services will be held where he started his life at the Barnes Funeral Home, 109 West Main Street, New Paris Ohio. Funeral Service will held be at 2:00 PM on Friday March 8, 2013 with Rev. Terry Cochran officiating. Interment will be held at Springlawn Cemetery in New Paris, Ohio. Family will receive friends two hours prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one's favorite charity. Online guest register at www.barnesfuneralhome.com