Charles Calvert Kessler Jr. departed this earthly life to eternal life at his home in rural St. James, Mo., on Thursday, June 25, 2009.  He was 67  years, 10 months and 30 days of age.
Charles Kessler was born on July 26, 1941 in Clearfield, Penn., to his parents: Charles Calvert  Sr. and Julia (nee Ritz) Kessler.  On Dec. 6, 1962 he was united in marriage to Diana Lynn LaMonica in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Charles Kessler Jr. served his country in the United States Air Force from August, 1960 until September, 1982, achieving the rank of Master Sargeant. He retired from the Air Force in September 1982.   He was baptized into the name of the Triune God as an infant and confirmed that faith given in baptism on April 3, 1955 in Pennsylvania.
Charles Kessler Jr. is survived by his wife of the home: Diana (LaMonica ) Kessler of St. James, Missouri; one son: Charles Calvert III and wife Kathryn, Cole and Cade Kessler of Glendale, Ariz.; one daughter: Cheryl-lyn Adele Philo and husband James of Seattle, Wash.; two sisters: Barbara Mullen and husband Thomas of Campton, N. H.; and Lois Wagner and husband Paul of Chicago, Ill.; one brother: Brian and wife Holly, extended family and friends.  Charles will be dearly missed by his surviving family, extended family and friends.
Preceding Charles Kessler Jr. in death are his parents: Charles Calvert Sr. and Julia (Ritz) Kessler.
Visitation for Charles Kessler Jr. will be from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. James, Mo.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. James, Mo., with Rev. Jeff Schanbacher officiating.  Pallbearers will be Bruce Brown, Michael Jacquin, Jack Lansberry, Robert Mounce, Gary Raymond, and Henry Sethhaler.  Jean Stevens will be the organist and Frankie Stevens, vocalist.
Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church "Christ Through all Generations Fund" or Phelps County Hospice.
Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.jonesfunerals.com.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.