CHRISTOPHER KESSLER

He was born August 7, 1963 in Wheeling, WV, son of the late George H. and Rosemary (Krupica) Kessler.

Chris graduated second in his class 1981, from Bishop Donahue High School, where he was captain on the basketball team and was on the first state champions team.

Graduate from WVU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, inducted in 2011 into the Bishop Donahue Hall of Fame, served as a loan administrator and program manager for the Ohio Valley Industrial and Business Development Corp. in Wheeling from 1987-1992; former employee for the regional economic development authority; was first elected as our Marshall County assessor in 1996 and was serving his sixth term in office; was on McMechen City Council for two years; four years as commissioner for the Benwood-McMechen Housing Authority; two years as the Bishop Donahue School board vice president; two years as the Bishop Donahue president of the school board; two years as the vice president of the WV Association of Counties; past president of the WV Assessors Association; member of the Sons of the the American Legion Blake Brothers Post 46; member of St. James Catholic Church and Holy Name Society; and served on the Parish Council during high school and an avid Pittsburgh Pirate, Pittsburgh Steelers and WVU Mountaineers fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Kessler; and brother, George P. Kessler.

Surviving are his wife of nine years, Sherri Lynn (Jones) Kessler of McMechen; two children, Ashley N. and Artie Lightner, both of McMechen; sister, Kelly (Brian) Scott of Virginia Beach; and brother, former Senator/ Senate President Jeff Kessler of Glen Dale, WV; three grandchildren, Kaylee Alvendia, Alex Alvendia and Amiri Wilcox; niece, Lauren Chandler of Wheeling; and nephews, Jacob Kessler of West Hollywood, CA, Jackson Kessler, Hastings Kessler and Griffin Kessler; all of Glen Dale; Stephen Houser, Jeff (Christina) Houser, Matt Houser and Chris Houser, all of Virginia.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering Friday, April 26, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. at Altmeyer’s Benwood/ McMechen funeral home, 214 Marshall St., McMechen.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, McMechen with Rev. Arul Anthony serving as Celebrant.

Chris will be interred at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyerfuneral homes.com.

Memorial Donations may be made to St. James Catholic Church or the McMechen Cemetery Association.