Rex E. Kesler

Rex E. Kesler, 64, lifelong Mound Valley resident and well-respected local photographer, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at his home.  His death was unexpected.

Rex Eugene Kesler was born on March 1, 1959, to Harry Eugene and Neva L. (Shomber) Kesler in Parsons, Kansas.  He was a very proud Mound Valley Grade School graduate, class of 1973 and went on to graduate from Labette County High School in 1977,

It was in his beginning printing and yearbook classes that Rex developed his interest in photography that would become his life's work and career path.  Following high school, Rex enrolled at Coffeyville Community College and while earning an Associate's Degree, worked tirelessly for the Red Raven school newspaper and also moonlighted for the Coffeyville Journal newspaper as he was learning his craft.  Those experiences influenced him to try his hand at the most prestigious journalism school in the country at that time, the University of Missouri at Columbia, "J" School.  So, in 1979, Rex packed his trusty yellow and white Buick LeSabre and headed to Columbia in pursuit of something he wasn't quite sure of, but was committed to discover about his interest in photography and about himself.  While he was capable of the journalism skills required, more importantly, he discovered that it was photography that would be his calling.  So, after three semesters of swimming with the big fish, Rex headed back to Mound Valley to live while figuring out just how to incorporate his brand of photography into his daily life.  Like most young artists, Rex worked various jobs, screen printer, phone telemarketer, and factory worker, while putting his plan together.

Rex started slowly in the 1980's shotting occasional weddings, a few seniors here and there, and random family groups.  In 1984, Kesler Photography opened officially as his full-time business out of the warmth of his parents' long-time home.  For many of those first few years, his mother, Neva, was his appointments and chief office manager.  The rest, as they say, became history.  Rex built Kesler Photography into the area's most sought after photography service.  His appointment schedule was always a challenge to find a space, yet somehow, he and Neva would find a spot for you even if it meant Rex working double overtime.

Southeast Kansas recognized this big-time talent housed in a small town and rewarded him with consistent business and respected positions in various civic organizations, including President of The Labette Health Foundation.  He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Mound Valley.  Over the years, he was also a valued member of the Mound Valley Historical Society, Mound Valley Housing Authority, the Mound Valley Flag Pole Committee and had served on the Mound Valley city council, and as a judge for the Labette County Fair photography division. Rex was very generous in his philanthropy and supported many local schools and causes, his most favorite being anything to do with Mound Valley.  His lasting legacy will be the thousands of photos he took that captured the milestones and special moments in many lives of the people in his own community.  Rex created memories that will live on for generations.

Rex is survived by his sister, Kathy Hedrick, and her husband, Rob; two aunts, Karen Kesler and Beverly Kesler; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Neva Kesler.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Mound Valley.  Burial will follow at the Mound Valley Cemetery.  Friends may stop by the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home to sign the register book from noon to 6:00 p.m., Friday.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Mound Valley Flag Pole Festival or the Mound Valley Historical Society.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.