Leroy James Kessler, age 59, of Seguin, passed away on December 9, 2025. Leroy was born on November 28, 1966, in San Antonio, Texas, to Emma Jo (Martin) and Melvin Julius Kessler Jr.

Born with a congenital heart defect, Leroy was one of the early pediatric open-heart surgery patients, and he beat every odd put in front of him. He never allowed his physical limitations to define him. He lived each day fully, loved deeply, and met life with a stubborn, joyful determination.

As a young man, Leroy learned to operate heavy machinery while working in the family business. He went on to build a career as a heavy-equipment operator in the pipeline industry, traveling across the country, making friends wherever he went, and enjoying the people and places he encountered along the way.

In 2010, Leroy graduated from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio. He was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church in Seguin and was actively involved in prison ministry and parish outreach. His faith was central to his life, and he shared it quietly but powerfully through service, kindness, and presence.

Leroy grew up on Lake McQueeney and, in later years, made his home in Lakehills, Texas. He always loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed deer hunting and bass fishing, and he cherished time spent with family and friends on the water and in the woods.

Leroy is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Julius Kessler Jr.; his mother, Emma Jo (Martin) Kessler; his niece, Kelly Jean Kessler; his treasured uncles, Leroy C. Kessler, James Kessler Sr., Herbert Kessler Sr., and Daniel Kessler Sr., and Bertin Brandon.

Survivors include his son, U.S. Army Master Sergeant (MSG) Scott J. Kessler and wife Andrea; grandchildren, U.S. Army Specialist (SPC) Brooklyn J. Kessler and her husband, U.S. Army Specialist (SPC) Konnor Kim, and Kensley E. Kessler; siblings, John P. Kessler and partner Beverly Bendele, Ralph E. Kessler Sr. And partner Barbara Blair, Kathy Schwerdtfeger and husband Jeff, and Barbara Kessler and partner Brian Milsted; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other loving family members, and a host of friends.

Visitation will begin on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Monsignor Dennis Darilek officiating.  Interment will follow in the Blumberg Cemetery, 588 Happy Haven Rd., McQueeney, Texas 78123.  A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel William Kessler Jr., James L. Kessler Jr., Jose Pantoja Jr., Joe Neely, U.S. Army Reserve SFC Justin A. Kessler, Ralph E. Kessler Jr., Glenn Braden, Stacy Hetchler and Greg Braden.

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Children's Heart Center in his honor at https://www.texaschildrens.org/support/ways-to-give.

The family  would like to extend a special thank-you to the cardiology team at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio for their lifelong dedication to Leroy's health and well-being and to All Season Hospice of Texas for making his last moments peaceful.