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Elwin Kessler Sr.

Elwin Kessler Obituary

Elwin Dennis Kessler Sr. SMITHFIELD - Retired Virginia State Police Master Trooper Elwin Dennis Kessler Sr., 61, passed away July 3, 2009, from pancreatic cancer. His wife, Pat and daughter were by his side. Born in Farmville, Va., he was raised in Crewe, Va. Mr. Kessler graduated from Prince Edward Academy and obtained his associate's degree in police science from Paul D. Camp Community College in 1980. He served four years in the United States Coast Guard, and was a 27-year veteran of the Virginia State Police, retiring in March 2003 as master trooper. Mr. Kessler called Isle of Wight County home for the past 35 years. He was a substitute teacher for the Isle of Wight School System during his first years in the area. In his retirement, he worked part time at NAPA, Smithfield Auto Parts delivering parts to stores around Isle of Wight. Mr. Kessler loved his part-time job which kept him in contact with the public and enjoyed the people he worked with. He had a friendly, outgoing personality, and was known for his professionalism and fairness during his State Police career. He told Pat not to tell everyone that at home he was really a "teddy bear." However, most people already knew he was a kind person who loved people and was willing to help anyone in any way he could. Mr. Kessler was a member of Uzzell United Methodist Church and American Legion, George Dashiell Post 49 in Smithfield where he rose to the position of Fourth District Commander. Mr. Kessler was predeceased by his father, Hans Kessler and brother, Wayland Kessler. He is survived by his first wife, Nancy Hancock Baygents of Mississippi, and his wife of 21 years, Patricia "Pat" Mouring Kessler; sons, Elwin Dennis "Dennie" Kessler Jr. and Dale Shenk (Tammy) of Smithfield and Mark Shenk (Brenda) of Surry; daughter, Cindy Franklin (Cary) of Williamsburg; five grandchildren, Lavinia Fosse, Joseph "Joey" Shenk, Cary "CJ" Franklin Jr., Clint Franklin, Michael Shenk; sister, Eraina Lacks (Billy) of Richmond; his 85-year-old mother, Bessie Kessler of Holly Manor, Farmville; sister-in-law, Susan Amburn Kessler of Burkeville; brothers-in-law, John Mouring (Betsy) of Newport News, Brad Mouring (June) of Hampton and Barry Mouring (Ludie) of Carrollton; and his beloved pet Erika, a 2½-year-old Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle) who literally stayed by his side during his illness. Mr. Kessler will truly be missed by his family and friends who loved and respected him. A special thank you to all of his many friends for their love, support and prayers during his illness. Donations in his memory may be made to Uzzell United Methodist Church, c/o the Rev. Tommy Reynolds, 52 Days Point Lane, Smithfield, VA 23430. A life celebration service will be held at Colonial Funeral Home Sunday, July 12, 2009, at 2 p.m. The service will include the State Police Honor Guard and Bagpipes. The family will receive friends following the service in the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Jul. 9 to Jul. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Elwin Kessler

18 Entries

Ronnie and Linda Shortt

July 23, 2009

Pat,
Ronnie and I are greatly saddened to learn of Elwins passing. I had just written you an email asking about Elwin then decided to look in the Obits and found his name. We are truly sorry. Rest assured that one day we will be reunited with him in Heaven. Call if we can be of service in any way. God bless you our precious friend.

Brenda Fosse (Shenk)

July 23, 2009

I have had the greatest experience of having Elwin as part of my life for the past 21 years. I met Elwin in 1988 when I began dating his son Mark. Elwin was not just a father, step-father, father in law, he was a daddy. He was always there for all of us no matter what we needed. Elwin was one of the greatest men I have ever known and I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Elwin will always be so very loved and missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.
All my love to Pat, Dennie, Mark, Dale, Cindy, Tammy, Cary, Lavinia, CJ, Joey, Clint & Michael

Rob and Debbie Rhodes

July 16, 2009

Dale and Tammy and Michael:
Rob and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your father and father-in-law and grandfather. May God strengthen you and give you peace.

Betty Jeffery

July 13, 2009

I did not have the fortune to know Elwin. However, his wife was my dear highschool girlfriend; and I am sure if Pat loved him, he was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.

July 12, 2009

Pat and family, the American Legion Fourth District is saddened by the loss of a wonderful, thoughtful person as Elwin was. Everyone who knew him, liked and respected him. Please know that you all are in our prayers. (Chaplain, American Legion Fourth District)

John Toole

July 10, 2009

On Easter Sunday night in 1999,I met Trooper Kessler under trying circumstances.It was a GOD THING.He was a kind person.We need more Men like him.He assured us that everything will be ok if we try to follow the rules and we did.In a short time our family was back on track and we cannot forget this gentle soul.
To the Kessler family ,we pray for your family and may we never forget his kindness.

Brenda Vaughan

July 10, 2009

Pat & Family,

I am currently working on the west coast and will not be able to attend the memorial. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Elwin was a wonderful person. He will be missed by the Vaughan and Keen families.

Peggy Bailey

July 10, 2009

Pat & Family
It saddened my spirit to learn of the passing of Edwin. I had to read the obituary several times to digest what it was saying to me.he will always be in my pages of rememberance. May god continue to bless each of you as you go into and through this transition.

Sorrowfully,
Peggy Bailey

Shelly Coombs-Vieth

July 9, 2009

To Dennie and Family sorry to hear of your Dad's passing as I didnt know he was sick. I have known your dad for many years and you also Dennie and I always knew your dad for his sense of humor. May God Bless you now and always with deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Shelly Coombs-Vieth

Eva Hargrave

July 9, 2009

Pat, I didn't know you or Edwin very well but I have to tell you how much your friendship meant to my in-laws, Bill & Lula Hargrave. They really enjoyed you both.Thank you for your friendship. I am sorry for your loss.You are in my thoughts and prayers.

July 9, 2009

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Elwin side by side serving as a volunteer EMT for IOW County. Being able to be involved with the community was Elwin's passion, being there to lend a helping hand anywhere and anytime he was needed. He knew at a young age of what he wanted to become and that was to serve and protect his family and friends and strangers alike. As a daughter of a Retired Police Chief and also a Step Father Retired Chief Warrant Officer, I have the utmost respect for my friend and I say " Thank You " Elwin for your service and dedication and your compassion for others and may you now walk along side the Lord Jesus to defend and protect the laws of GOD in heaven.

God Bless His Family and Friends

Caroline J. Beale

John and Judy Riddle

July 9, 2009

Pat,we were both saddened to read of Elwin's death. Although we only met him one time at our 40th reunion, both of us were impressed with his genuine friendliness, wit and charm. His obvious love for you, and your's for him, also impressed us. That love will sustain you, as will all your wonderful memories of your time together. We want you to know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.

Ginny (Britt) Brown

July 9, 2009

Dear Pat & family,
I was shocked to hear of Elwyn"s passing-Living in Portsmouth, I hadn't heard he was sick.He was a wonderful person.I extend my deepest condolences.Keep your memories close to your heart. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Ginny Britt Brown

Sandra Edwards

July 9, 2009

I met him so many years ago that I can't count. I was doing part-time work with IOW Sheriff's Dept. as a very young woman. Through the years I would see him around town, at my son-in-laws state police graduation in Richmond, and of course at various services of those who died. He always remembered me and I always enjoyed having the opportunity to chat with him. He was truly a man that left a lasting impression with me. My son-in-law is now First Sergeant in Courtland, Va. (Keith Whitley). May your love and years shared together with this truly remarkable man substain you during this time.

Rodney Varian

July 9, 2009

Pat I am very sorry for the loss of Elwin. I keenly remember how joyfully you spoke of your time spent together. I addition to the kind words already mentioned about Elwin, I would like to add that he had a fine sense of humor. He visited Surry Power Station to speak on driver safety, we all had a good laugh, (and still do), when on the subject of writing tickets he stated plainly..."Press hard. Five copies."

Thank you Master Troope Kessler. Rest in peace.

Rodney Varian

Roxy & Viki Armentrout/Gwynn

July 9, 2009

We were deeply saddened to hear of Elwin's untimely passing. He was a true and good friend, whose unwavering moral compass served as an example and inspiration to all who knew him. His down-to-earth nature and sense of humor allowed him to connect even with those with whom he had professional business ("Press hard, five copies."). Elwin was one of those special people who always left things better than when they found them. He will truly be missed.

Jo Ann Eley

July 9, 2009

Pat:

I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Elwin's passing. I really know how much the two of you meant to each other. The two of you were always together.

I pray that God will give you the strength you need to get through this tragic loss.

Elwin was truly a good man and an outstanding State Trooper ("Press hard, five copies"). He always greeted me with kindness, whether at your home or in public. Based on our conversations at work, he was equally a very good husband.

May the memories of joy and pleasures the two of you shared in your life together, always remain a part of you forever.

God Bless you and your family.

A friend Always,
Jo Ann Eley

Steve Edgeworth

July 9, 2009

I knew Elwin from Smithfield high school in the 80's and even fished some with him.As stated,always fair as a person in any capacity.Prayers are with you,and may memmories be your crutch.

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