Michael Lewis "Mike" Kesling

Michael Lewis Kesling, age 61 of Clarksburg, WV went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at United Hospital Center. He was born January 24, 1957 in Clarksburg, WV; the son of Marvis Dean (Nichols) Kesling and the late Herman “Bud” Earl Kesling, Jr.From the first time he saw Joyce he said, “She will be my wife”. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Renee (Dehner) Kesling, on March 27, 1982.

Mike was a wonderful husband, a superb father, a one-of-a-kind grandfather, and truly, a world changer. He is survived by his four sons, Matthew Michael Kesling & his wife, Megan of West Milford, WV, Nathan Lewis Kesling of Clarksburg, WV, Zachary Nicholas Kesling & his companion, Amber Gaines of Good Hope, WV and Ethan Earl Kesling & his fiancée, Samyra Somazze of Morgantown, WV;  Pa’s little buddies Caleb, Thorn, and Gedeon Kesling and his “pretty eyes” Gemma Kesling; brother, Keith Kesling & his companion, Allison Giannone and their children Ben and Jordanna all of Anmoore, WV; one brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Dehner and his wife, Penny of Ohio and numerous close friends.

In addition to his father, Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman Earl Senior and Mary C. Rutter Kesling, Lewis Nichols and Ester Nichols Daniels.

He graduated from WI and was known for his outstanding athletic ability. He was awarded the All State Football award and received a four year scholarship from Marshall University, where he played right guard and tackle. He also broke the shot put record that was from the early 1900’s with a distance of 50’ 8 ¾ “. He excelled in little league through Babe Ruth hitting many homeruns. He also wrestled for WI.

After attending Marshall University and working for campus security, he attended the State Police Academy and graduated as the 35th basic class. Michael was hired by the Clarksburg Police Department in 1979, moving up in the ranks to Captain before retiring in 2006. He was also a DARE Officer and part of the drug task force and Scat shift during his service as a Police Officer. Mike was well respected and loved for his caring compassion as a police officer.  He also worked as a security guard at UHC, Stonewall Resort and the Harrison County Library.

So many people have shared stories of the compassion shown toward them, when they were in the wrong and he took the time to talk to them and help them correct their lives.

Mike was known as, “Mr. Mike”, serving as crossing guard at Nutter Fort Primary after his retirement from the police department.

Mike was well known for his cooking especially on the grill. He loved to feed people throughout the neighborhood as well as friends. He also liked to volunteer to cook for his son’s teams, where he always provided steaks for football dinners. He had a love for hunting. His wife and sons were his life and always spent many hours together through; coaching his sons sports teams in soccer, baseball, basketball and a sideline dad helping with football. Mike loved all the trips and tailgating at away games. He served as his son’s archery instructor at cub scouts and Boy Scout camp. He attended Forward Church, formerly known as Stealey Assembly of God. He was also a member of the F.O.P. 

Mike will always be remembered for his strong will, compassion and love for people.

Family will receive friends at Davis Funeral Home, 124 Olen Thomas Dr., Clarksburg, on Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 12:00 – 8:00pm.  The F.O.P. Mountaineer Lodge #78 will conduct services at 7:00pm.  Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Davis Funeral Home on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mark Greaver, presiding and Pastor Larry Green assisting. Interment will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to “The Fight is on for Michael Kesling” at MVB, 1000 Johnson Ave., Bridgeport, WV 26330. Thank You all for your generous contributions and prayers throughout Mike’s fight.

Online condolences may be sent to DavisFuneralHomeWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home is honored to assist the Kesling family.

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