Gene A. Kessler, 78, of rural Colony, Kansas, died Saturday, October 24, 2015, at Windsor Place in Iola. Gene was born September 21, 1937, in Thayer, Kansas, the son of Archie and Sadie (Johnson) Kessler. He grew up in the Geneva area and graduated valedictorian from Neosho Falls High School. He farmed northwest of Iola in the Geneva Township all of his life. On July 17, 1960, Gene married Mary Lee Yoho at First Baptist Church in Iola. She preceded him in death May 30, 2012. SURVIVORS: 2 Sons: Charles Stratton & wife, Alydia of rural Colony, KS and DeWayne Kessler & wife, Margo of rural Colony, KS 1 Sister: Evelyn Miller of Santa Maria, CA 4 Grandchildren: Carol & Scott Kress, Deana & Paul Bittinger, Autumn & Jamie Adair and Alexis Setter Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brother Henry Kessler and sisters Wilma Kessler and Margaret Dole. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Geneva Cemetery northwest of Iola. MEMORIAL: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.