Steven Scott Kessler

Steven Scott Kessler, husband, father, and beloved friend, passed away at his home in Crawfordsville on Friday June 23rd at the age of 40.

Affectionately referred to as Scott by his family, and "Kess" by his friends, Scott graduated from South Montgomery High School in 1994. Genuine and exceptionally hard working, Scott was a valued member of the AT&T family for over 17 years.

In the Fall of 1999, Scott reconnected with his high school crush, now wife of 15 years, Jill Oppy Kessler. At a party hosted by friends, over music, they talked and laughed and formed the beginning of what would be a profound and deep-seated love for both. In the Summer of 2002 they were married. In the Summer of 2011 they gave birth to their son, Ryder.

An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, Scott was a frequent visitor of, and volunteer at, Shades State Park. In the years before their son was born, Scott and Jill would spend their active months maintaining the Shades' rugged trails with their two dogs (both since deceased) Jack and Ansel. Scott enjoyed hiking trails, landscaping, and gardening; he was most at peace among nature.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Jill Kessler; his child, Ryder J. Kessler; his mother, Toni Newgent and her husband Dave Newgent; his father, Sheldon Hutchens and his wife Stacey; his grandfather, Wayne Kessler; his mother-and father-in-law, Tom and Sue Oppy; his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Beth Oppy; his brother and sister-in-law, Jason and Mary Ann Oppy; his nieces and nephews, Jacob, Katie, Hannah, Makayla, Logan, and Lucas.He was preceded in death by his grandmother, MariAnn Kessler.

Cremation was chosen in conjunction with a Celebration of Life service to commence at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Whitesville Christian Church, 3603 S. Ladoga Road, Crawfordsville. The family will greet friends at the church on Wednesday afternoon, from 3 p.m. until the service begins.In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to HHSB for Ryder'sCollege Fund or the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation atwww.in.gov/inrf.