Kim Joseph Kesler

Kim Joseph Kesler, 68 of West Terre Haute, passed away on his farm in rural Dennison, Illinois on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He was born in Terre Haute on November 19, 1956 to Dale Kesler and Helen (Apple) Goings.

For 50 years, Kim owned and operated Derby Hill Equipment in West Terre Haute alongside his “right-hand man,” Bill Stevens. He was a pillar of the West Terre Haute community known for his generosity and his quiet acts of kindness, never seeking recognition for the help he gave to so many.

Kim graduated from West Vigo High School in 1975 and went on to study accounting at Indiana State University. He was a proud member of the West Terre Haute Masonic Lodge #687 F & AM, the Scottish Rite of Terre Haute, and the Zorah Shrine

A man of many interests, Kim was an avid Harley-Davidson rider who loved traveling out west on his bike with friends. He also had a lifelong passion for heavy equipment, enjoyed playing poker and hunting, and never missed his cherished Saturday morning breakfast ritual. Nearly every other morning, he could be found at Cackleberries with his breakfast buddies—Larry, Jim, Brad, Vince, and Ed.

Kim is survived by his wife Carrie (Switzer) Kesler and his daughter Courtney (Kesler) Bickett (husband Zachery) of Fishers, IN, as well as his granddaughters Nora and Elsie. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth Kesler (wife Traci) of Omaha, NE, John Goings (wife Cynthia) of Palm City, FL, and Victor Harris of Montezuma, IN, as well as a sister, Jerilynn Seibert (husband Ed) of Falmouth, KY, and his stepmother Pauline Spivey of Tampa, FL. He also leaves behind nieces Kimberly (Kesler) Mulari (husband Brian and their son Calvin) of Omaha, NE and Kristina Kesler of Omaha, NE and several other nieces and nephews, and several aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Kesler, Helen (Apple) Goings and her husband Harry Goings, his grandparents; William “Willie” and Nora (Davis) Kesler, Charles Apple, and Austin and Alice (Wells) Elliott.

Private graveside services will be held at Livingston Cemetery, with Pastor Dennis Leek and Pastor Chris Wilbur officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Kim’s farm (22445 N. 2620th Road, Dennison, IL 62423) on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Indiana time).

Monetary donations can be made to Down Syndrome of Indiana, 615 Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 in honor of his granddaughter. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN 47885.

Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com

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