Reverend Richard William Kessler, age 81, of Cisco, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on the morning of November 10, 2024. Richard was born on November 21, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up with a deep faith that he carried throughout his life.

A devoted servant of Christ, Richard began his pastoral journey receiving his training at Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Ill. He served at Trinity and Redeemer Church in Leesville-Deridder, Louisiana, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mercedes, Texas, and then Salem Lutheran Church in Whitehall, Texas, where his passion for sharing the Word of God and shepherding God's people was evident. In 1991, he became the pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco, Texas, where he served faithfully for two years until 1993. Richard continued to be an active and beloved member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for the remainder of his life.

Richard's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to his faith, his congregation, and his family. He was a devoted friend and mentor and was known for his compassionate heart, his deep love for Scripture, and his humble service to those in need. He found joy in ministry and spent his life living out the Gospel, whether in the pulpit or in the everyday moments of life.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Eve Mantooth; his grandson, Jonathan Blake Mantooth and his wife, Kelsey Jean Mantooth; and his granddaughter, Chastity Marie Mantooth. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A service to celebrate Richard's life and faith will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco, Texas at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 15, 2024, and a pot-luck style meal will be shared after the service. All who knew Richard are invited to come and remember his legacy of love and service to the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Redeemer Childhood Learning Center building fund. Make checks payable to Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Memo: RCLC Building Fund
1711 Conrad Hilton Blvd.
Cisco, TX 76437

"Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" – John 11:25-26