Lonnie Ray Kesler

Lonnie Ray Kesler, age 85, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2025, at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg, IL. Born on May 4, 1940, in Jasper County.

He graduated from Oblong High School in 1959 and spent nearly 30 years working in many different roles at the Marathon Oil Refinery in Robinson. He was also a 2-year Army veteran serving in Germany, where he was able to travel and enjoy Switzerland, Holland, France, and Austria. Outside of work, Lonnie was an avid hunter of quail, pheasants, and mushrooms, and he enjoyed fishing and metal detecting. He was also deeply devoted to his family, especially his son, whom he coached and participated in many of his sporting activities.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Billie Ann (Sloan) Kesler, with whom he was able to travel to 45 of the 50 states. He also is survived by his son, Eric Jon (Donna) Kesler; his three granddaughters, Haley Urish (Gavin), Emilee Wenda (Nate) and Brooklyn Beck (Cooper); a step-grandson, Anthony Maquet (Julie Griffitts); his great-granddaughters, Millie Sloan Urish and Maeve Marie Urish; a step-great-granddaughter, Adey Griffitts; a step-great-grandson, Baylor Maquet; as well as his nephews, Randy Correll (Michelle) and Russell Correll (Jan). He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Berniece (Harris) Kesler, and his step-father, Orlie Henry, who was a very important person in his life growing up. He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Clair Correll.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3rd, at the Robinson New Cemetery, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the combined units of the U.S. Army, Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the City of Robinson Parks Department, and envelopes will be available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting with these arrangements.