Gary Kesler, age 77, of Vanduser, Missouri, passed away June 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born January 26, 1946 in Lilbourn, Missouri, son of the late Luther Franklin Kesler and Agnes Augustus Gaines Kesler.

Gary was a member of the Anchor Church in Vanduser, a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in a Combat Troop during the Vietnam War, and had been owner and operator of Kesler Farms.

Gary proudly served in the US Army in the combat 5th division from 1965 - 1967, serving in Vietnam from 1966 - 1967. He quickly rose to the rank of sergeant and served as a handgun and rifle instructor. Gary received several medals and accolades during his tenure as he exemplified dedication and hard work.

Gary had many amazing stories of his time in the Army yet he didn't speak much about certain times in Vietnam, he always made it known that he served proudly and was a proud veteran. But he couldn't wait to get back to his sweetheart, Rebecca.

On February 20, 1966 at Vanduser Baptist Church, he married Rebecca Sue Evans Kesler, she survives of the home in Vanduser.

Gary and Rebecca established Kesler Farms upon his return from the military. Kesler Farms was a row crop farm which, over the years, included cotton, corn, beans, and rice. Gary was a remarkable farmer who exemplified both hard work and innovation. He was progressive in new ways to improve efficiency and productivity. Not content with only specializing in row crops, Gary wanted to diversify and ventured into seed corn production, as well as, broiler and breeder chicken houses. In fact, Kesler Farms was one of the very first poultry producers in our area.

Gary had a love for storytelling. Gary possessed an extraordinary wealth of knowledge spanning a multitude of subjects. Conversations with him were a bit one-sided as it was sometimes hard to contribute due to his enthusiasm for talking. Gary was ready to enlighten his family and friends with fascinating facts from various areas at all times.

Yet, amidst his pioneering endeavors and his endless stories and fact sharing, he never lost sight of his most cherished treasure: his family. He loved his wife, Becky, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than himself and his dedication to both his work and his family made him an extraordinary role model. His family adored him and he will truly be missed beyond measure.

Other survivors include two sons, Eric (Kim) Kesler of Vanduser and Chad Kesler of Vanduser; one sister-in-law, J.C. Kesler of Nashville, Tennessee; two brothers-in-law, Edsel Wylie of Sikeston and John Bohannon of Sikeston; six grandchildren, Brett (Moriah) Ledbetter of Sikeston, Shelby (Jeremy) Kesler-Perrien of Sikeston, Drake (Taylor) Kesler of Sikeston, Lane Kesler of Sikeston, Hailey Kesler of Sikeston, and Tristin Kesler of Vanduser; and eleven great-grandchildren, Christie Ledbetter, Chloe Ledbetter, Adelyn Ledbetter, Lydia Perrien, Bennett Roberts, Owynn Roberts, Kesler Roberts, Jace Perrien, Addisyn Kesler, Wrenley Kesler, and Hudson Lee James.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by one daughter, Christie Kesler, three unborn children; three brothers, L.F. 'Sonny' Kesler, Donnie Kesler, and Louis 'Leon' Kesler; and three sisters, Thelma 'Inez' Kesler Uhls Fehler, Doris Kesler Wylie, and Mary Leona Kesler Bohannon.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m.

TJ Nall will officiate services.

Interment will follow in the Forest Hills Memorial Gardens at Morley, Missouri.

Pallbearers: Drake Kesler, Lane Kesler, Brett Ledbetter, Jeremy Perrien, Isiah Ueland, Brian Crowe

Donations may be made to Harvest Foundation (Anchor Academy) P.O. Box 124, Vanduser MO 63784.