Paul Kessler

Paul Kessler, 81, of Centralia, passed away Friday, September 11, 2020 at his home. Paul was born May 28, 1939 in Hardinville, IL, the son of Oscar and Pauline (Osborne) Kessler. He married Marsha Buzzard on February 12, 1982 in Centralia and she survives him. In addition to his wife Marsha of 38 years, Paul is survived by his son: Matt Kessler and wife Carissa of Columbia, MO; two stepsons: Jeff Berkbigler and wife Sara of Edwardsville, IL and John Berkbigler and wife Rachel of Belleville, IL; nine grandchildren: Payton, Nick, Jersey, Frankie, Jackson, Grant, Ty, Carter, and Lucy; sister-in-law: Mary Jo Kessler of Centralia; brother-in-law Mike Buzzard and wife Diane; mother-in-law: Wanda Morgan of Centralia; many nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Duane "Dewey" Kessler and Danny Kessler. Paul was a member of the Centralia Elks Lodge #493 and was a charter member of the Centralia Sunrise Rotary Club. He was honored to be a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a strong believer in recycling and supported Clean and Green. Paul was a Class of 1957 graduate of Centralia Township High School where he excelled in sports. He was proudly inducted into the Centralia Sports Hall of Fame. Paul loved playing golf and watching Orphan sports. He especially enjoyed following his grandkids, great nieces, and great nephews as they played sports. PK will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no public services will be held. Due to COVID restrictions, a private gathering to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Centralia Township High School Class of 1957 scholarship fund or Centralia Orphans Sports Booster Club and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Kessler Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home's Facebook Page.

Paul Kessler

May 28, 1939 - September 11, 2020