Frederick D. Kesler

Frederick D. Kesler

Nashville

Frederick Donald Kesler, the former principal of Henderson High School in Henderson, NC, died December 31, 2013 in his home, The St. Paul Senior Living Community in Nashville, TN. He was born April 5, 1916 in Nashville, GA, the youngest of five children of Georgia Lucretia (O'Kelley) and Phillip Jonah Kesler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Verel Ward Kesler, his parents, his brother Dr. Augustus Durward Kesler, his sisters Louise Kesler, Rachel Kesler Sutton, Agnes Kesler Miller, his son-in-law Dr. John Ward Hollifield III, his nephews Robert Lynn Sutton, Philip Joseph Sutton, and his niece Geraldine Miller Fluharty.

Mr. Kesler is survived by his children, Lou Ross Penland, husband Robert Tideman Penland, Sr. of Texarkana, TX and Phyllis Hollifield Avant, husband Dr. George Avant of Nashville, TN. His grandchildren are Colonel Robert Tideman Penland, Jr., wife Nicole Miller Penland; Elizabeth Ross Penland McFarland, husband Lieutenant Colonel Jason Scott McFarland; Frederick Joseph Ward Penland, wife Stephanie Licausi Penland; Catharine Lynn Hollifield; Phillip Walker Avant, wife Joanna Marks Avant, and Charlotte Brooks Avant. Mr. Kesler's great grandchildren are: Eliana Victoria Ross Penland; Joseph Parker, Isabella Ross, and SarahScott McFarland; Anna Leigh, and Cole Hovis Penland; Elise Charlotte and Brooks Douglas Avant. Mr. Kesler had special relationships with his nieces and nephews: Colonel B. Parker Miller III USMC (Ret.), wife Elizabeth Thomas Miller; Walter Kesler, wife Susan Setcavage Kesler; Bonnie Kesler Tanner; Nancy Webb Sutton;, Carolyn Nunn Sutton; and Benjamin P. Jenkins III, wife Marianne Wilson Jenkins.

Mr. Kesler was a graduate of Furman University and earned his Master's Degree at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. In June 1941, Mr. Kesler entered the U.S. Army, completed Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Infantry. Subsequently, he was assigned to Camp Blanding, FL, and trained infantry replacements for the European Campaign. After the surrender of Germany, he was transferred to Leyte, Philippines to prepare for the invasion of Japan. Following the conclusion of World War II, he remained in the U.S. Army Reserve and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Upon completion of his active duty military service, Mr. Kesler became a coach, teacher, and ultimately principal of Liberty High School in Liberty, NC. He married Verel Jeanette Ward of Liberty on August 20, 1942. In 1951, The Keslers moved to Henderson, NC where they lived fifty-one happy years. Mr. Kesler was principal of Henderson High School for many years, before retiring from the school system as associate superintendent of curricula development.

In 2001, desiring to be nearer to family, the Keslers moved to Nashville, TN where they were affiliate members of Blakemore United Methodist Church.

Mr. Kesler was a husband and father who loved his family unconditionally. During the many years that he spent in public education, he genuinely cared for his students, colleagues, and expressed unending respect for his faculty and staff. He was a mentor, a role model, and an encourager with all he came in contact. Above all, he was a faithful friend.

The family wishes to thank Terra Bedell, Erica Jackson, and Kodjo Agbyibor for their loving, intuitive, and reliable caregiving. Appreciation is also extended for the excellent and compassionate care delivered by the physicians and staff of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Gentiva Hospice Care is to be commended.

Two services will be held for Mr. Kesler: Internment with Military Honors in Henderson, NC on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Sunset Gardens, 3174 U.S. 158 Business, at 11:30 a.m. and a memorial service at the First Baptist Church, 205 West Winder Street, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 75, Henderson, NC; the Salvation Army, 631 N. First Street, Nashville, TN 37016; and Blakemore United Methodist Church, 3601 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205.

Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home.