JOHN CHARLES HESSLER

John Charles Hessler, 55, of Belton, MO, died peacefully on Oct. 31, 2012. John was born June 3, 1957, to John and Shirley Hessler. After graduating from Grandview H.S., he attended Crowder College on a baseball scholarship. His sophomore year he was drafted by several major league baseball teams, including the Mets and the Phillies, but turned them down to continue his education at Tulsa University. In 1978, in a 3rd round draft, he started his professional career as a pitcher for the Houston Astros. "Big John" was a jokester with a big heart that matched his big personality. He loved spending time with family and friends and was always the life of the party. He always took pride in a hard days work. John is survived by his 3 daughters, Julie and Lori Hessler, Kristi Watt; 3 granddaughters Alize', Hailey and Paige; brothers and sisters Butch and Skip Gregory, Gail Cole, Chris and Gretchen Hessler, Gloria and husband Mike Brinker, as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. In one last act of giving, John decided to donate his body to Science Care, a research institute. For memorial service details please contact an immediate family member or email jchmemorial@yahoo.com.