Arthur Robert Kessinger

Published 6:33 pm Friday, October 8, 2021

Arthur Robert “Rob” Kessinger, 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 6, 2021, with his loving wife by his side.

Born Jan. 15, 1941, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Arthur Henry and Buella Light Kessinger, Rob married his soulmate, Gloria Carte in 1958 and moved to Wakefield in 1963. He retired from Rob’s Automotive, his self-owned mechanic business, in 1998, and was a lifetime member of the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents; two of his sons, A. Robert Kessinger Jr. and Michael Allen Kessinger; and six of his siblings; Ruth Gale, Hazel, Chester, Ella Mae, Raymond and Wilma Christine.

He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Gloria Kessinger; brothers, Kenneth (Mary) and Dale; son, John Paul Kessinger; daughter-in-law, Winnie Kessinger Umphlett (Billy); grandchildren, Arthur “Benji” Barnes, Amber Kessinger Wells (Robbie), Kristin Leigh Kessinger, Michael Kessinger and Robert “Wil” Bigwood; great-grandchildren, RJ, Stephany, Christina, Brianna, Cameron, Jacob, Peyton, Madelyn and Josilyn; great-great-granddaughter, Arianna, and numerous close friends he considered his family.

Known to many as Papa, Rob had a passion for spending time with his family and friends, antique cars, woodworking and the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department. He had a quick wit and was always ready with a story or a joke. You could find him most days of good weather on his back deck, pocketknife and a piece of wood in hand and a cup of black coffee by his side.

A celebration of life is being held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Wakefield Fire Department in Rob’s memory.