Online Obituaries

Gene Lee Kessinger

June 22, 1927 - April 15, 2008

Gene Lee Kessinger was born in Pana on June 22, 1927, and passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, after a short fight with cancer. He was the only child of Loen & Florence (Dowell) Kessinger, whom he adored.
Gene had an idyllic upbringing in his hometown of Pana. Many stories fondly and often retold of his early years bring to mind the fictional character, Tom Sawyer.
After high school graduation in 1945, Gene enlisted with the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during World War II, as part of the occupation of Japan. He then attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated with a B.S. degree in Food Science.
Gene worked for A.E. Staley Company in Decatur, as a research scientist, then with Gunther Products in Galesburg, retiring as Vice President of Fiber Sales for Ralston Purina in Olathe, KS in 1993.
In leisure, Gene found great camaraderie in competitive sailing thistle class boats, as a member of CDYC in Decatur. He was also an avid hunter and sporting clays enthusiast. With Gene you were a stranger but once and a friend ever after.
Gene will be missed dearly by his family; Bernice, his cherished wife of 32 years; his children and grandchildren: Lee & Rob Hemming, Kristen and Ryan, Maple Grove, MN; Karen & Wally Brischle and Sarah, Decatur, IL; Amy & Jared Cristy, Ozark, MO; & LaVon & Adam Hamilton, Danielle and Rebecca, Stilwell, KS.
Gene, husband, dad, step-dad, grandpa, and friend, you will forever be in our hearts.

Funeral Information

We will remember Gene’s life on Friday, April 18, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe, Leawood, KS. Visitation will one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in Linwood Cemetery, Pana with graveside military rites by VFW/American Legion/AmVets Honor Guard, Pana.

Donations Information

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Resurrection, 13720 Rose, Leawood, KS or the American Cancer Society, 1100 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64105.