Rev. Michael L. Kesling
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Rev. Michael L. Kesling, 65, of Robinson, Ill., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday,?March 21, 2012 at 2 p.m. at his residence, surrounded by family.
Rev. Kesling was born March 6, 1947 in Middletown, Ohio, a son to William F. and Josephine (Clark) Kesling. He married Antia E. Ramey on Dec. 30, 1966 and she survives.
Rev. Kesling was a minister for over 40 years, serving at nine churches of the Nazarene faith and three United Methodist churches for 21 years. He belonged to Robinson Free Methodist Church in Robinson, Ill. he was a member of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, former member of Robinson Kiwanis Club and Robinson Minsiterial Alliance. While living in Strasburg, Ill, Mike served as town Trustee for three years. He was also a member of the Strasburg Lions Club. Mike loved playing the piano and violin, singing in the church choirs, but most of all serving others.
He is survived by his wife, Anita E. Kesling of Robinson, Ill.; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael L. and Sara Kesling II of Evansville, Ind. and Rayme W. and Amber Kesling of Beaumont, Tex.; two daughters, Zella "Cathy" Wood of Robinson, Ill. and Susan F. Turner of Oblong, Ill.; brother, Randolph Kelsing of Cincinnati, Ohio, sisters and a brother-in-law, Billie Jo Lewis of Lebanon, Ohio and Pamela Sue and Gerald Fornshell of Lebanon, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Michiala N. Turner of Oblong,?Ill., Allyson S. Turner of Oblong,?Ill., Joz-Lynn M. Popplewell-Kesling of Beaumont, Tex., Christopher R. Kesling of Beaumont, Tex., Michael J. Kesling of Beaumont, Tex., Daron and Rhonda Turner of St. Joseph, Ill., Derek and Jennifer Turner of Robinson, Ill. and Devin Turner of Robnison, Ill. and several nieces and nephews as well as Jason, Sammy, Isabell and Addison who were special to Papa Mike.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Rev. Michael L. Kesling's life was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 26 at Robinson Free United Methodist Church with Adam Conder, Duane Ambrose and Larry Hopkins officiating. Interment was in Prairie Cemetery in rural Oblong, Ill.
Visitation was from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at Robinson Free United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to Dogwood-Prairie United Methodist Church in Oblong, Ill., Strasburg United Methodist Church in Strasburg, Ill, Sunfield United Methodist Church Building Fund in Du Quoin, Ill, or Robinson Free Methodist Church in Robinson, Ill. Envelopes may be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home, P.O. Box 121 Oblong,?IL?62449.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.oblongfuneralhome.com.