Ray M. Kesler, 98, of Morgantown, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, in his home in Suncrest, where he resided for more than 60 years.
Ray was born August 10, 1926, in Clover Lick, a son of the late Robert Lee and Elizabeth McQuain Kesler.
Ray was attending Marlington High School during World War II when he was drafted into military service during his senior year. Following his service with the U.S. Army in Japan, he went on to attend Potomac State College and then transferred to West Virginia University to earn his BS in Agriculture and a Masters in Agricultural Education.
During his time in the military, Ray was in the 11th Airborne Division, spent 3 years in the active Army Reserve and retired after 31 years in the West Virginia National Guard, 201st Field Artillery. During this time he achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major, Army National Guard for the state of West Virginia.
Ray started his career as a Vo-Ag teacher in Upshur and Monongalia counties. He went on to be the director of Vocational, Adult, and Community Schools programs for Monongalia County Schools. He served as both interim superintendent of Monongalia County Schools and assistant superintendent for Administration, Support Services, and Vocational-Adult Education.
Following retirement from the school system, he spent 17 years volunteering for the American Red Cross as a mass care officer traveling to disaster scenes across the country. For this volunteer work Ray was awarded the Jefferson National Award in Washington, DC.
During his life, Ray was affiliated with many local organizations. He was a past president of the Morgantown Lions Club, Morgantown American Red Cross Board of Directors, Veterans Task Force, Monongalia County EMS Committee, a board member of the North Central Association of Accreditation of Secondary Schools and Colleges, and many other organizations.
In 2019, he proudly wrote and published an autobiographical book entitled “Clover Lick”.
Ray was a founding member and trustee of St. Thomas a Becket Episcopal Church.
Ray is survived by his two daughters, Georgette Ward and husband Phillip, and Jennifer Cain; two sons, Robert R. Kesler, and Shawn M. Kesler and wife Maribeth; his grandchildren, Amy Gainey-Taylor, Zachary Cain, Brian Schane, and Tony Schane; and great- grandchildren, Cory J. Gainey and James C. Gainey.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Hazel Sallows Kesler, who passed away in 2017; grandson, Lee Andrew Kesler; brothers, Earl Kesler, Ligon Kesler, Alfred Kesler, and an infant brother; and sisters, Elizabeth Kershner and Nellie Issacs.
Friends and family will be received Saturday, January 25, in St. Thomas a Becket Episcopal Church, 75 Old Cheat Road, Morgantown, from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Delk officiating. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.stthomasabecket.org Following the funeral services, cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.
Send condolences at www.hastingsfuneral
home.com
