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John Kessel Obituary
June 27, 1958 - May 22, 2024
John Woodruff Kessel, 65, passed away on May 22, 2024, in Hickory, NC. He was born on June 27, 1958, in Logan, WV, to Ray Miller Kessel and Jean Woodruff Kessel. He is survived by his three loving children, Luke Kessel (Charlotte, NC), Rachel Kessel (Raleigh, NC), and Julia Kessel (Chapel Hill, NC). He is also survived by his three siblings, Kim Kessel and Jim Kessel (Morgantown, WV), and Mark Kessel (Evanston, IL).
He graduated from Logan High School (1976) and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, mentoring his son to do the same. John pursued higher education at West Virginia University (BA, 1980), Marshall University (Master of Arts, 1983), and the Marshall University School of Medicine (MD, 1990). As a family doctor in Hickory for over 25 years, John touched the lives of many through his profession and was known for his friendliness and gift of gab. Apart from his dedication to medicine, John found enjoyment in his hobbies of golf, cars, food, family, and friends. He loved his children and Sunday night dinners were special as he would often crank up the music and listen to the Rolling Stones, Eagles, and John Prine. His favorite season was college football, and he rooted for the WVU Mountaineers, Marshall Thundering Herd, and his children's schools. Marshall road trips with childhood buddies and Delta Tau Delta annual gatherings at WVU were legendary. All brought him immense joy and relaxation throughout his life.
A celebration of life to honor John will be held at Market on Main, 335 Main Ave SW Hickory, NC 28602, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. Interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery in Ripley, WV.
John's warmth, kindness, and generosity will be remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Kessel Family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.
Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals
609 Highland Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kessel
Julie Lowe
August 31, 2024
This was a true representation of the late doc Kessel. This man saved my life, always went above and beyond and made me laugh my butt off. Dr. Kessel will always be missed. I´m posting a pic it wasn´t with my best camera but it was during one of my visits. If you want to know who Dr.Kessel was just look at this pic. So full of life , saving lives.
Friday Simpson MD
June 21, 2024
I am sad to hear of John passing this life. He was so much fun in Medical School.
Sharon Hatcher
June 11, 2024
John was a great Dr. I will miss him dearly and my heart goes out to his children and his extended family and friends.
Julie Lowe
June 9, 2024
Dr.Kessel was my doctor when he was at Fairbrook and if it hadn´t been for him I wouldn´t be here today. I have never been to any other doctor as caring , funny and who would go the extra mile. Gone but not forgotten.
Don Lowe
June 5, 2024
So sorry for the loss. Was fond of Dr. Kessel!! Condolences to his family and friends.
Linda Holmes
June 3, 2024
On behalf of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, I am sending our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and hope you are comforted by the positive memories. Linda Holmes, Director, Development and Alumni Affairs
Tommy james
June 2, 2024
Doc Kessel been my main doctor since birth to day he hang it up. He be dearly miss
Bill Wilson
June 2, 2024
John was a friend of mine and my doctor I sold John several cars when I worked for Steve white motors. He was a caring,friendly, and funny person. Rest in peace John .
Samuel L. McGee
June 2, 2024
Was owner of Fairbrook Clinic of Hickory NC He took extra care for all his patients He took extra time and assured everything would be OK
Gina Estes
June 2, 2024
Dr Kessel was my dr . He saved a friend of mine from dying. He told him about his dr friend in Winston that was the best dealing with mouth cancer . My friend made it . Dr Kessel was always nice to his patients . I am so sad
Samuel McGee
June 1, 2024
Best Dr. I have ever had.
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