James Donald "Don" Kessler

Mr. James Donald “Don” Kessler, age 76 of Franklin, KY., entered into rest Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 9:51 AM at his residence.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Booker-Gilbert Funeral Home where a Memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM, Saturday, September 24, 2016.  Mr. Kessler’s wishes were to be cremated.

“ Hank” was born September 25, 1939 in Green Co., KY. to the late Colby Wayne Kessler and the late Helen Clark Kessler.  He was preceded in death by his step-mother Beatrice Kessler, a brother Michael Kessler, step-brother Jessie Allen and sister-in-law Ernestine Allen.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Lynn Judd Kessler, children Shannan Kessler Neal and Laura Kessler Duane (Bobby) all of Louisville, KY., James Donald “Jim” Kessler (Beth) of Bowling Green, KY. and Steven Clark Kessler (Lulu) of Franklin, KY., a sister Marilyn Pruitt of Greensburg, KY., and a brother Harry Kessler (Brenda) of Greensburg, KY., 10 grandchildren James Donald “Trey”, Grant, Lauren Kessler, MacKenzie and Emma Neal, Madeline, Elizabeth and Ella Duane, River Kessler and Luzel Valentin.

Mr. Kessler was a member of the Franklin Community Church and former longtime member of the Franklin First United Methodist Church. He was a University of Kentucky graduate earning his B.S. degree in agriculture.  He retired in 1996 as Simpson County Extension Agent.  He was a former member of the Franklin Rotary Club, Franklin Country Club, and Jaycees.  He served on the Franklin-Simpson Fair Board and served as chairperson for A.B.L.E.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM until service time Saturday at Booker-Gilbert Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Franklin Community Church for Operation Thanksgiving.

Online condolences may be made at www.bookergilbertfh.com.