Bobby “Bob” Rhea Kessler
Bobby “Bob” Rhea Kessler of Roby, TX went to be with the Lord on June 9, 2023 at the age of 73.
Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 2pm, June 17, 2023 at 4th & Elm Church of Christ in Sweetwater with John Snider and Mark Wilson officiating.
Bob was born on July 6, 1949 in Raceland, LA. “I made it to Texas as fast as I could” was something he always said! He spent his youth in Victoria and his teenage years in Luling. He attended Luling High School where he played offensive guard and was the place kicker on the gridiron for the Luling Eagles. After high school, Bob attended Uvalde Junior College and then transferred to Abilene Christian College where he was dubbed, “Cowboy” by his college buddies… a nickname that some continue to call him to this day. In the summers, Bob worked at Halliburton, getting his first taste of oilfield employment. During his time at ACC, he met Londa Hobbs, to whom he was married on August 21, 1971. Upon getting married, Bob went to work at Guiberson in Abilene working as a shop-hand and salesman. In 1976, he was transferred to Andrews with the same company but switched jobs to C&B Packers a couple years later. After about 20 years as a contract toolman with C&B, Schlumberger, and Halliburton; Bob went out on his own working as an independent consultant for several companies on a contract basis. Bob and Londa raised 3 children in Andrews and were faithful members of the Andrews Church of Christ where Bob served as a deacon of fellowship and youth for many years. He had a big heart for the youth and really enjoyed serving the congregation as the self-appointed “Prime Minister of Fat and the Vice President of Parking!” After 40 great years in Andrews, Bob retired to “breathe that Fisher County Air” at the Kessler Deer Ranch near Longworth. In 2016, he retired after 45 years of service in the oilfield. Bob loved persuading the referees at his kids’ Andrews Mustangs games, burnin’ some bull, making sure guests got enough to eat, “Oilfield Carpentry” (do it yourself home projects), and efficiently turning a 3-minute story into a 20-minute story! Bob was so welcoming, had a great way with people, and he never missed an opportunity to be with family. He was always up for a good visit and somehow that would tend to circle back to deer hunting! Bob & Londa were happily married just shy of 52 years. We will greatly miss him and look forward to seeing him again.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, O.B. and Luella Kessler of Concan; brother, Terry Kessler of Big Spring; grandson, Jackson Paul Artho of Lubbock. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Londa Kessler of Roby; sister, Sherril DuBois and her husband George of Decatur; sisterin- law, Luan Kessler of Big Spring; brother, Bill Kessler and his wife Glenda of Nixon; son, Daniel Kessler and his wife Jennifer of Midland; daughter, Elizabeth (Liz) Artho and her husband Joseph of Lubbock; son, David Kessler and his wife Katie of Breckenridge. He was also a proud “Papa” to 7 grandchildren: McKenzie and Brady Kessler of Midland; Dax and Hadley Kessler of Breckenridge; and Waylon, Annie, and Allie Artho of Lubbock. Also survived by Aunt Mickey, Aunt Patsy and Aunt Barbara and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home, P.O. Box 58, Gallup, NM 87305 or another charity of your choosing.
