William E. Kessler, age 67, of Tuscumbia, died Friday, January 11, 2008, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born in Marshall on December 24, 1940. He was raised by his foster parents, Harold and Mabel Curry. On June 25, 1960, in Tuscumbia, he was married to Beulah Jean Witt, who survives at the home.

He started his career as a licensed practical nurse at the Tuscumbia Clinic. He also worked for the Miller County Care Center, St. Elizabeth Care Center, Villa Marie Skilled Nursing Facility, Missouri State Penitentiary, and Miller County Sheriff's Department until his retirement. He worked at Still Hospital as a patient account manager and owned and operated Kentucky Fried Chicken in Eldon for four years. He was a member of North Shore Baptist Church.

Other survivors include one son, Rev. Mark Kessler and wife Debora of Ulman; two daughters, Sherri Wood and Shane of Tuscumbia, and Nicole Grimwood and husband David of Tuscumbia; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his foster parents; one granddaughter, Terra Jean Grimwood; and two foster brothers, Wayne Curry and Oliver Curry.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 14, at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Rev. Ed Teal and Rev. Mark Kessler will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery near Tuscumbia.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the William E. Kessler Memorial Fund.