Obituary of Everett Craighton Kessler

Everett Craighton Kessler, 91, of Falcon, Colorado passed away January 17, 2023 in his home with his family. 

He was born on January 15, 1932 to Shambor and Frankie Kessler in Leslie, West Virginia.

Everett married his wife, Ellen Louise Baker on April 17, 1953 in Tampa Bay, Florida. She passed away in their home on November 8, 2000. They had one son, Everett "Chip" Craighton Kessler born November 28, 1961 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

Everett served in the military for twenty-four years in the Airforce/Army. He served the end of the Korean Conflict and saw two tours of duty in Vietnam, one from August of 1968 to August 1969, and again from September of 1971 to August of 1972. He retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer III. He received two Bronze Star medals and the Meritorious Medal. 

Everett worked many miscellaneous jobs after retirement from the Army, but his most enjoyable one was working at the Vermejo Ranch as an Executive Chef of the dining facilities for six years and being a Scout Master for the boy scouts for many years. 

He was involved with the Masonic Brotherhood for over sixty years and received the worshipful Masters Award at Lodge #165 in Ramah, Colorado. He was very involved as a Mason and the community. 

Everett was a dedicated hunter. It was his most treasured hobby that was passed down to all the generations in the family and still carried to this day. He also enjoyed fishing and cooking. He worked as a cook for many years and carried it down to his son and grandchildren. He was very involved in his family and community. He was always making friends with anyone and everyone. 

He was one of the last of the best generation! He was always kind and respectful to anyone he met. Everyone recognized him as a true gentleman. He was a very innovative and brilliant man. He has seen more and done more in life than others could only dream of. He truly lived his life as he chose and just did it. He taught us all to live your life as you want to and to never give up on your dreams. Toughest guy around. He will be greatly missed, sharing stories around the hunting campfire of the day's events and the stories of the day's past. He was very proud of his service in the military for this country. 
   
Everett was survived by his son, Everett "Chip" Craighton Kessler II of Falcon, Colorado; and four grandchildren, Kenny + Andrea Kessler, Aaron + Morgan McMullen - Komaroski, Levi + Annalisa Kessler, and Jessica + Virgil Rhodes - Kessler. He also had nine great-grandchildren, Troy, Katelyn, David, Gaige, Aiden, Colt, Garrett, Kyler, and Asher. 

Everett is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Kessler; his parents, Frankie Bryant and Shabor Kessler; his four brothers, James Kessler, Maynard Kessler, George Kessler, and Thomas Kessler; also his daughter-in-law Marilyn Kessler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society by phone at 1-800-227-2345 or the website: donate3.cancer.org 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Ramah Lodge, the United States Army, Compassus Hospice Care, and The Springs Funeral Services. 

Funeral Service, 4:00PM, Friday, March 3, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.