John Robert "Bob" Kessinger, evangelist, 78, of Gandeeville, W.Va., died November 16, 2004, at CAMC General Hospital, Charleston.

He was born May 26,1926, in Cabin Creek, a son of the late Everett and Flora McCormick Kessinger. He was a preacher of God for 51 years, serving Churches of Christ in West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Michigan. He conducted gospel meetings for congregations across the county. The recipient of the 2001 Vandalia Award, Bob was a prominent and accomplished musician. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the military police in the European and Pacific Theaters during World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Higgins Kessinger; three daughters, Linda Kessinger Rhodes and her husband, Mike, of Piney Flats, Tennessee; June Kessinger of New Haven, W.Va.; and Alice Kessinger Jordan and her husband, Jeff, of Spencer, W.Va.; two sons, John R. "Robin" Kessinger and his wife, Mary, of St. Albans; and Dan Kessinger and his wife, Mary Amy, of St. Marys, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Additionally, he was known to many other young people as "Grandpa Bob."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Hubert Kessinger; and four sisters, Dorotha Cavender, Opal Goodwin, Mary Frances Nichols, and Marie Kessinger.

Services were conducted Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at the Washington Street Church of Christ in St. Albans, with evangelists Edwin Dickey, Eric Dickey, and Michael Mayo officiating. Burial was in the Ferrell Cemetery near Gandeeville.

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