Life Legacy

Gary F. Kessner, age 63, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Warrensburg and Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Mt. Carmel West Hospital in Columbus.

He was born February 12, 1948 in Warrensburg, Missouri to the late Fred and Bertha (Whitehead) Kessner. After completing his journeyman apprenticeship, he worked for 38 years as a stone mason and bricklayer and certified welder with Bricklayers Local #55, Columbus, Ohio; a career he loved. He often served as the Union steward and will be remembered as a highly respected south-paw who got along with everybody. Garys favorite past-time Gone fishing with my twin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret Fisher. He is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Kathy Kessner; twin brother, Terry (Sharon) Kessner; sister, Mary Pagura; father-in-law, Irvin (June) Parks; sisters-in-law, Patty (Pat) Wood and Debby Sanders; brother-in-law, Barry Parks; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Debbie) Kessner, Danny Fisher, Derek Fisher, Diane Zebb, Ann Hudson, Marla (Dan) Buelow, Frankie Pagura and Marta Pagura; his loving dogs, Cassie and Carla and all of his breakfast friends at Tommys Restaurant, his coffee buddies at Subway and the gang at Red Lobster. You all held a very special place in his heart!

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel Medical Center Palliative Care Unit, 793 W. State St., Columbus, OH 43204. A special thank you to Dr. Santa-Emma and the caring Palliative Care staff and all those who have attended to Garys medical needs over the years. Please visit www.Schoedinger.com or www.williamsfuneralchapel.net to share a favorite memory of Gary or to leave a condolence for his family.