Clair P. Kessler, 96, of Riverview Park, Muhlenberg Twp., died Wednesday, April 25, 2012 in Berkshire Center, Exeter Twp. His wife, Sabina A. "Betty" (Kimmel) Kessler, died April 2, 2002.
Born in Hamburg, he was the son of the late Preston R. and Ida S. (Heckman) Kessler. He was a 1934 graduate of Hamburg High School. He also attended the Wharton School of Business for two years. Clair was a U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He had twenty-eight years of inactive and active service and retired from the U.S. Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel January 1, 1976. Clair worked for thirty-six years for CNA Insurance, Reading, retiring in 1982. He later worked for eight years as a real estate agent for Hayward and Stoudt, Temple, until 1990. Clair was a member of Rosedale United Church of Christ, Laureldale, where he was a former choir member and elder. He was past chairperson of the Christian Board of Education and a past president of the Men's Brotherhood. He was also a past member of the Finance and Stewardship Committees at church. Clair was a member of Union Fire Company and beneficial association, Hamburg; and a tuba player in Burkey's Band. Clair was a 50-year membef of Lodge #62, West Reading. He was past master of the lodge in 1970; a trustee for twenty-two years; and a member of the charity committee. Clair was a member of A.A.S.R. Valley of Reading Consistory; past thrice potent master of Lodge of Perfection; a member of Consistory Choir; an active degree master; and past president of the Pagoda Club. In 1987, Clair received an honorary 33rd degree in Boston, Massachusetts.
Clair is survived by one daughter: Virginia A. (Kessler), wife of Orvis C. Rowe, Alsace Twp.; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother: Charles F. Kessler, Riverview Park; and one sister: Estella S. (Kessler) Bowman, Duncan, Oklahoma. He was predeceased by two brothers: Paul and Raymond Kessler; and one sister: Marguerite (Kessler) Hess.
Services will be on Tuesday at 10:00 am from Rosedale United Church of Christ, 1301 E. Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605 with Rev. Richard Leiby officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear) with Masonic Services at 8:00 pm. Please note: The viewing is on Sunday evening. A viewing will also be held on Tuesday at the church 9:00 to 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Rosedale United Church of Christ at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.