John Kessel

John Woodruff Kessel passed away on May 22, 2024, at the age of 65 in Hickory, North Carolina. He was born on June 27, 1958, in Logan, West Virginia to Ray Miller Kessel and Jean Woodruff Kessel. He is survived by his three loving children, Luke Kessel (Charlotte, NC), Rachel Kessel (Raleigh, NC) and Julia Kessel (Chapel Hill, NC). He is also survived by his three siblings, Kim Kessel and Jim Kessel (Morgantown, WV) and Mark Kessel (Evanston, IL).

He graduated from Logan High School (1976) and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, mentoring his son to do the same. John pursued higher education at West Virginia University (BA, 1980) Marshall University (Master of Arts, 1983) and the Marshall University School of Medicine (MD, 1990). As a family doctor in Hickory for over 25 years, John touched the lives of many through his profession and was known for his friendliness and gift of gab. Apart from his dedication to medicine, John found enjoyment in his hobbies of golf, cars, food, family, and friends. He loved his children and Sunday nightdinners were special as he would often crank up the music and listen to the Rolling Stones, Eagles, and John Prine. His favorite season was college football, and he rooted for the WVU Mountaineers, Marshall Thundering Herd and his children’s schools. Marshall road trips with childhood buddies and Delta Tau Delta annual gatherings at WVU were legendary. All brought him immense joy and relaxation throughout his life.

A celebration of life to honor John will be held at Market on Main, 335 Main Ave SW Hickory, NC 28602 on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Internment will be at Pine Hill cemetery in Ripley, WV.

John's warmth, kindness and generosity will be remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Kessel family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.