William Irvin Kersh

William "Bill" Irvin Kersh of Elm Springs, AR was taken home, in the blinking of an eye by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 22, 2025. His beloved wife Linda and step-daughter Sarah Freitag by his side. Bill was born in Houston, Texas on July 14, 1943 to James Edwin and Zelma Sybil Kersh. Bill is survived by the love of his life, Linda Kersh, of the home, whom he married July 30, 1995; Three sons and their families in Texas; six grandchildren; one brother, Ed Kersh of Texas; one sister, Jan Fields of Texas; one step-daughter of Missouri; two step-sons of Arkansas; six step-grandchildren, whom he adored and they adored him. Each has a special story to tell about their PAPA.
After graduating high school with honors, Bill attended and graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor degree of science. (Yes, he was a true Aggie) Later, he graduated from Lee College with an Associate of Arts degree. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a Master of Science from East Texas State University. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa of Red River Texas Area and a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. Later, Bill earned a certified Culinary Scientist from Research Chefs Association Certification Commission, and Bill was a member of the Institute of Food Technologists. Bill came from Texas to Arkansas to work for Tyson Foods in Research and Development, where he spent almost 20 years. On September 3, 1969 William I. Kersh joined the Army and served as a Medic (Specialist 5) in the Viet Nam War. He was discharged September 22, 1972 with honor. He seldom talked about the war, only to say it was a horrible time he did not want to relive by talking about it. Bill was a leader in Evangelism Explosion training and trained many people to share the Gospel of Jesus. Most importantly, Bill's spiritual gift was teaching. Bill loved to teach the word of God. He would spend many hours preparing studies of the Bible to teach others. We studied together often and I never stopped learning under Bill's leadership. Anyone who met or knew Bill soon knew how much he loved his Lord Jesus Christ. One of the most profound and meaningful statements Bill spoke in the last few days of his life was, "If you are a Christian, you do no need to phone home, because home is in your heart." Through Bill's illness, he lead many people to the Lord for eternal life. He was always looking for an opportunity to share Jesus. He memorized scripture and encouraged others around him to do the same. Bill was a devout praying man. He prayed for others daily. If he told you he was praying for you, he was indeed. Bill believed in the power of prayer. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Rogers, Arkansas, where his teaching was cherished. Bill loved the church.
The family asks that, in memory of Bill, donations be made to the Gideon Bible Foundation.