Paul L. KESLER

KESLER Paul L. Paul L. Kesler, age 94, of Delta, passed away at Swanton Health Care Friday, August 20, 2010, one day after his wife, Betty Kesler passed away. Paul was born July 13, 1916 in Fayette to the late Earl and Dora (Poths) Kesler. He started to work at Markey Bronze Bushing after high school graduation and then in 1937 went to work at DeVillbiss Co. in Toledo; where he worked for 36 years, retiring as a supervisor in the company's manufacturing division. Paul was inducted in the Navy on August 14, 1945, the day peace was declared with Japan. He helped to refurbish the CV13 Franklin, which had been bombed by kamikazes. Paul organized the Delta Cub Scouts and was the Cub-master for Pack 72 for seven years. In 1958 he was on a committee that set up the Delta Little League as a legitimate organization. He was a member of Delta Council and chairman of the building committee in 1948, during the time the Memorial Hall was built to replace the burned down city hall. He also served as the Zoning Administrator in 1972. During the 1960's he was the first president of the Board of Education after the school district consolidated into Pike-Delta-York. He was also Past Master of the Masonic Lodge. In 1955 he was President of the Delta Izaak Walton League. Paul was instrumental in purchasing the present site of the Ike's club on County Road H. During the Delta Chicken Festival of 2005, Paul was honored to be the Grand Marshal. With his attitude that "it's better to serve than to be served", Paul had a long list of accomplishments that benefitted those in delta and Northwest Ohio during his 94 years. For 60 years he had been a volunteer firefighter and he would still ride to the fire station to help out with record keeping. In the 1950's and 1960's Paul was a Red Cross First-Aid instructor as well as a fire fighter. He was very instrumental in getting Delta's firemen trained in advanced first aid and starting the Emergency Unit in Fulton County. In 2005 Paul was honored during the Zenobia Shriners of Toledo's Firefighter Recognition Program. Past Delta Fire Chief Chuck Hudson submitted Fireman Paul Kesler for the honor and recognition as a "Retiree - past dedicated service and/or continued involvement." Paul received three awards - two from the Zenobia for his longevity and retiree service, and one from the Ohio Senate. As an avid golfer with many trophies, Paul was a lifetime member at Valleywood Golf Club in Swanton, where he was a member for 62 years. He had four hole-in-ones during his lifetime. Paul was a member of the Delta United Methodist Church. He was also a longtime member of the Fulton Masonic Lodge #248 F&AM and had been a member of the Delta American Legion for over 50 years. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Kesler; grandson, Patrick Kesler, brother, Clarence Kesler and sister, Fern Lane. He is survived by his loving children, Phil Kesler of Wadsworth, IL, Martha Harrington of Willoughby, OH and Jim Kesler of Swanton; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grand-children, three great-great- grandchildren and two nephews. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2010 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St. Hwy. 109, Delta; with a Masonic service beginning at 6 p.m. immediately followed by a Legion Service. A funeral service for Paul and his wife Betty will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Delta United Methodist Church, 101 Northwood Dr., Delta, Ohio 43515. Pastor Jay Miklovic will be officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Delta United Methodist Church, 101 Northwood Dr., Delta, OH 43515 in Betty or Paul's memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at: www.barnesfuneralchapel.com