Edwin David Kesler, 89, of 42 Dogwood Lane passed away peacefully at his home on July 20, 2016 surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born on February 17, 1927, in Franklin County to Hershel and Ovis (Hemphill) Kesler, he was the first son born of five children. Ed displayed his talent for farming at an early age; plowing a mule when he was only 9 years old. At the age of 18, Ed enlisted in the US Army but was released early to assist his father with their farm on Seed Cleaner Road. On Christmas Eve 1945, Ed married his sweetheart, Mary Seymour, and so began their life together in the Eagle Grove Community.
Over the years, Ed's hard work, determination and strong will brought many opportunities into his path. In the early 50's, he built two poultry houses, and then expanded to 10 houses into what is now known as Kesler Farms. Never one to be idle, Ed invested in a backhoe and began using his equipment to clear land and dig trenches. In the early 60's Ed worked alongside others to clear the land that would one day become the Hartwell Dam. By 1966, Ed had established a successful business using heavy equipment, and when the Hartwell Courthouse burned in 1966, Ed used his skills with heavy equipment and razed the burned building. Showing himself to be a talented business man with a sharp mind, in 1969, Ed bought a John Deere dealership in Lavonia, GA. He was a member of the Georgia Farm Equipment Association, and in 1975, was elected Vice President, serving as President in subsequent years.
Ed's gardening skills were unsurpassed by anyone in Hart County. He was known to have an abundance of vegetables early in the season and never failed to share his crop with family and friends; often placing vegetables by the roadside for anyone who passed by.
But Ed Kesler's greatest joy was family and the love that they had for him and for one another. He was never too busy to listen to his loved ones troubles and lend a helping hand when he could. He had a deep abiding faith in God and taught his children the principles of integrity, trust, and loyalty.
Ed is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Seymour Kesler; four daughters: Sybil (Henry) Dickerson of Hartwell, Susan (Bill) Glenn of Tequesta FL, Cathy (Mike) Leard of Lavonia and Becky (Greg) Glenn of Hartwell; a son: David (Sandra) Kesler of Hartwell; two sisters: Dot Snyder and Wassie (Maurice) Vickery both of Hartwell; eight grandchildren: Holly (Brad) Jordan, Jennifer (Jason) Craft, Hank (Rachel) Dickerson, Keith Glenn, Andy Leard, Amanda Leard, Cory Glenn and Tyler Glenn and eight great-grandchildren.Mr. Kesler was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Ann Cheek and a brother: Gary Kesler and a brother-in-law: Al Snyder.
Visitation is 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 23rd at Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell followed by a memorial service at 12 noon at the First Baptist Church of Hartwell. Flowers are optional or memorials may be made in his honor to the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643 or to St. Mary's Hospice c/o St. Mary's Foundation, 1230 Baxter Street, Athens GA 30606.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.