Bob Kessinger, who had faithfully preached the gospel for more than fifty years, passed from this life Tuesday, November 16th, after suffering a stroke on Sunday morning just prior to Bible class.

Bob had a great impact on me as a young preacher. I have always admired men who take a strong stand for the truth. Bob was a living example of what Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2) "Preach the word! Be instant in season and out of season ..."

I made the trip to Spencer for Bob's wake. People, by the hundreds, stood around and told "Bob" stories all evening. I was impressed with the massive turn-out that night.

That evening I thought of Bob's ability to lead singing, as well as his preaching ability. Later that evening I was told that his daughter-in-law, Mary, stayed by his side and gently sang hymns to him as he passed from this life to the next. I was moved to tears, as were others who heard this story. How appropriate!

I am mindful of a couple of passages. "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors and their works follow them.'" Revelation 14:13. Also, Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

A great soldier of the cross of Christ is gone! -117 N. McKenzie Street, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

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