Henry Russ Kessler

Henry “Russ” Kessler, age 80, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at a Topeka Hospital.  Russ was born October 18, 1940 in Roswell, New Mexico.  Russ graduated from Kirtland High School in Kirtland, New Mexico.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1959 – 1970, serving on several bases including overseas.  He then served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for over 30 years.  Russ worked for the Department of Energy for many years as well as Los Alamos National Laboratories.  Russ married Sharon Doherty August 29, 1981.  Russ served as Deputy Sheriff for La Plata County, Colorado.  Russ was a member of the Kansas Sheriff’s Association.  Russ was a member of the VFH American Legion Post #1367 of Holton and the American Legion Post #44 of Holton.  Russ loved horses and training horses.  He was a member of Parelli Horsemanship, where he served as an instructor.  He also was a member of the Appaloosa Horse Club since 1981.  He served as a Colorado Mounted Ranger for over nine years.  He was a life member of the NRA.  He was a member of the Freemasons Lodge #20 of Circleville.

Russ is survived by his wife, Sharon of over 40 years; two sons, Richard (Wendi) Kessler of Chandler, AZ and Jeff (Kate) Kessler of Richmond, VA; a daughter, Sherri (Robert) Stephens of Charlotte, NC; two brothers, Carl (Cheryl) Kessler of Albuquerque, NM and Paul (Betsy) Kessler of Massachusetts; a sister-in-law, Gayle of Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Ernie Kessler.

No services are planned at this time.  davidsonfuneral.com