Thomas Richard Kesler

Thomas Richard Kesler, age 85, of Benton, Arkansas passed on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Richard was born January 19, 1931 to John Henry Kesler and Alice Crabb Kesler. One of four siblings whom he survived, Randal, Evelyn and Ralph. Richard married Martha Sue Parton November 16, 1950 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage. This blessed union brought three children, Rick Kesler (Ginger) of Coldwater, Mich., Steve Kesler (Kristi) of Mountain Home, Ark., and Liz Kesler of Benton Ark., seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews mourn the loss. Great-grandson, Alec James Kesler (1990) and granddaughter, Kristi Michelle Buss (2006) preceded Richard in death. Richard grew up in Baldwyn, Miss., attending Baldwyn Christian Church. He was baptized in 1947. Graduating Baldwyn High School, Class of 1951 as class president. Richard proudly served as a hospital Corpman in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955. Richard served on the USS San Marcos and cut ice to the North Pole. The family moved to Little Rock and Richard served as Kay Surgical's general manager and retired from General Medical in 1993. A funeral service for Richard will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas (501-315-4047). Visitation at Roller-Ballard will be Friday 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., with interment service at 2:45 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.