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Celebrating the life of
Cole Carter Kessler
Passed away on October 28, 2019
Cole Carter Kessler was born in Morrow, Georgia on April 29, 1988. He entered eternal heaven on October 28, 2019. He died at home from a drug overdose. Never thought I would have to write an obituary for our child.
It is a parent’s worst nightmare. He recently attended resident program at Bridges of Hope in Homerville, Georgia. Cole was there for six months. He has told us how much they helped him and he seemed to be on the right track, but the drugs had a strong hold on him.
Cole was “Born Again” while he attended Bridges of Hope and accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He was baptized February 24, 2019 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Homerville. That gives us some peace.
Cole touched a lot of lives throughout his 31 years. He was an extremely talented artist. He was kind and a lover of people and animals. As I scrolled through his Facebook page, it was evident he was loved by many.
Cole decided against the traditional education and was self-taught. He was highly intelligent as evidence by some of his writings and artwork.
Our hearts are forever broken-
He leaves to cherish his memories his Mother, Debbie Kessler, and Father, Butch Kessler ; his Sissy, Misti Kessler Finn and her husband, Stanley Finn Jr; Bubba, Christopher Brock Jones , and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins , and friends . He also leaves behind his beloved Notti, she will be taken care of by his neicey, Madaline .
We love you, son.
May the four winds blow you safely home. 8,9,10.
Remembrances may be made in memory of Cole to Bridges of Hope, 1326 Antioch Church Road, Homerville, Georgia 31634 or to any Pet Rescue Group .
I am so very sorry for your loss. Can't imagine your heart break. Keeping you and your family close in my thoughts and first in my prayers.
- Mary Hebing, Savannah, GA
I am very sorry for your loss.
- Roger, Beaufort, SC
Dear Butch & Family, There isn't anything that can be said to take away your suffering & Heart ache. Our Prayers for you are to always remember to celebrate Life, his Life and others & cherish the time we have left with family & friends close to us. God Bless.
- Janice & Ken Goodis, Columbus , NJ
Debbie, Butch and Misti, my deepest condolences to you with the loss of Cole. Remembering him and Ross as babies playing together. They both struggled with addiction and an overdose took Ross’s wife Oct 29 2017. My thoughts are with you all. He is now at peace.
- Pat Jones , Stockbridge , GA
We are so sorry for your loss! We hope you have many fond memories of Cole to reflect on to help ease the pain of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All of our Love, Carey & Ken Riel & Family
- Carey & Ken Riel, Germantown, MD
We are so sorry to hear about Cole. Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. Prayers for comfort to all of the family.
- Lynn and Hudson Harrison, Savannah, GA
Didn't know Cole,,but i understand.I lost my son almost 2yrs.ago,drugs are a horrible thing.So sorry you'll lost your son.Sounds like he was a wonderful person.My heart will forever be broken.Just trust that God is there for you. Words seem like they can never heal your heart.God Bless your Family.
- MaryAnn Deloach, Bloomingdale, GA.
Cole’s Family & Friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. I met Cole at Debbie’s house a few years ago. It was my birthday soon afterwards; and he had Debbie video himself singing me happy birthday. He even made me Chicken Alfredo, but then confessed in the video he ate it. Love that!!! So kind, artistic, and fun. God has him now; and he is at peace and free from his addiction. I pray that you find peace and comfort in his sweet memories and strength from your family and friends, like me. I love you Debbie, Baby Girl, my dear friend. You are a strong, kind, loving, caring, and beautiful mother, sister, and friend. Remember that always.
- Julie Mitchell , Warwick , Ga
I'm so sorry for you guys. Cole was an amazing person & a good friend.
- Jeremy Wasser, Philadelphia, PA
Debbie,Butch,Misti and Brock I am so sorry to hear of Cole’s passing. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. I am thinking of y’all and keeping you in my prayers. I love you all. Tanna Mia Ward
- , ,
My sweet sweet kind hearted Cousin. Cole iam really going to miss you my phone is quite since you left going to miss the txt and calls I will and forever love you. Give nanny and papa and Richie a kiss and hug from us.
- Amy Poppell, GUYTON, ga
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.I will also pray for strength for all the family during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around all of you. Warmest condolences! Diana Mincey????
- Diana, Pooler, Georgia
Cole, my Nephew, my Family....Such sadness as I heard of your untimely passing...You will live on through Family and Friends who loved and knew you...When your Momma told me you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior in February that gave me so much Comfort in knowing that you are in the arms of Jesus (no more hurting, no more addiction)...I will Forever love you and miss you...Keep my seat warm, I will see you soon!!!
- Aunt Wanda, Jesup, Ga
Dear Kessler Family. Please know I feel very fortunate to have had Cole in our lives for the many years he was growing up. He was always so happy and sure of himself. Cole's popularity goes back to when he was just a small child. This is such a testament of how much he was loved. I am beyond sorry for your devastating loss and my heart aches for your family. May you find peace in his memories, and strength from your family and friends.
- Judy Wery, Savannah, Georgia
Kessler Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you during this most difficult time.
- Debbie Brannen, Savannah, GA
I LOVE YOU MY SON ! Give Mom, Dad and Aunt Barb , Nanny and Papa, Pa and Popma a hug and a kiss for me. Rest in peace. Dad.
- , ,
I'm so sorry to the family for your loss. Cole was the most loved person I ever met. He touched the life of so many. He may gone but no one will ever forget him. The 2 peas in a pod are together again. Fly high
- heather heppel, Savannah, GA
Debbie so sorry for your loss. In my prayers.
- Patricia Lay, Lawerenceburg, Tn
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends that Cole touched during his journey. I only had the honor of getting to know him briefly but he left an impact on me that I will always remember. The world in the lives of those that knew him best will definitely be a shade darker now that Coles light has dimmed and vanished from this world. So grateful I had the opportunity to get to know you, no matter how brief our interaction was. RIP Brother! See you on the other side!
- Kris Shuman, Rincon, Georgia
Debbie, I so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Cole at your home. He was a very nice young man. He will be missed by all of you. I'm here for you! Leslie
- Leslie Parrish, Pooler, GA
I am so very sorry for your loss. Can't imagine your heart break. Keeping you and your family close in my thoughts and first in my prayers.
- Mary Hebing, Savannah, GA
I am very sorry for your loss.
- Roger, Beaufort, SC
Dear Butch & Family, There isn't anything that can be said to take away your suffering & Heart ache. Our Prayers for you are to always remember to celebrate Life, his Life and others & cherish the time we have left with family & friends close to us. God Bless.
- Janice & Ken Goodis, Columbus , NJ
Debbie, Butch and Misti, my deepest condolences to you with the loss of Cole. Remembering him and Ross as babies playing together. They both struggled with addiction and an overdose took Ross’s wife Oct 29 2017. My thoughts are with you all. He is now at peace.
- Pat Jones , Stockbridge , GA
We are so sorry for your loss! We hope you have many fond memories of Cole to reflect on to help ease the pain of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All of our Love, Carey & Ken Riel & Family
- Carey & Ken Riel, Germantown, MD
A candle has been lit!
- Mollie and Dennis Hamilton , Georg
We are so sorry to hear about Cole. Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. Prayers for comfort to all of the family.
- Lynn and Hudson Harrison, Savannah, GA
Didn't know Cole,,but i understand.I lost my son almost 2yrs.ago,drugs are a horrible thing.So sorry you'll lost your son.Sounds like he was a wonderful person.My heart will forever be broken.Just trust that God is there for you. Words seem like they can never heal your heart.God Bless your Family.
- MaryAnn Deloach, Bloomingdale, GA.
A candle has been lit!
- Aunt Sonja , Georg
Cole’s Family & Friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. I met Cole at Debbie’s house a few years ago. It was my birthday soon afterwards; and he had Debbie video himself singing me happy birthday. He even made me Chicken Alfredo, but then confessed in the video he ate it. Love that!!! So kind, artistic, and fun. God has him now; and he is at peace and free from his addiction. I pray that you find peace and comfort in his sweet memories and strength from your family and friends, like me. I love you Debbie, Baby Girl, my dear friend. You are a strong, kind, loving, caring, and beautiful mother, sister, and friend. Remember that always.
- Julie Mitchell , Warwick , Ga
I'm so sorry for you guys. Cole was an amazing person & a good friend.
- Jeremy Wasser, Philadelphia, PA
A candle has been lit!
- June McBride Martin , Flo
A candle has been lit!
- Aunt Judy , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Julie Mitchell , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Shea Schrader , Georg
Debbie,Butch,Misti and Brock I am so sorry to hear of Cole’s passing. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. I am thinking of y’all and keeping you in my prayers. I love you all. Tanna Mia Ward
- , ,
A candle has been lit!
- Amy , Georg
My sweet sweet kind hearted Cousin. Cole iam really going to miss you my phone is quite since you left going to miss the txt and calls I will and forever love you. Give nanny and papa and Richie a kiss and hug from us.
- Amy Poppell, GUYTON, ga
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.I will also pray for strength for all the family during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around all of you. Warmest condolences! Diana Mincey????
- Diana, Pooler, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Diana Mincey , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Tanya and Jan , Georg
Cole, my Nephew, my Family....Such sadness as I heard of your untimely passing...You will live on through Family and Friends who loved and knew you...When your Momma told me you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior in February that gave me so much Comfort in knowing that you are in the arms of Jesus (no more hurting, no more addiction)...I will Forever love you and miss you...Keep my seat warm, I will see you soon!!!
- Aunt Wanda, Jesup, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Judy Wery , Georg
Dear Kessler Family. Please know I feel very fortunate to have had Cole in our lives for the many years he was growing up. He was always so happy and sure of himself. Cole's popularity goes back to when he was just a small child. This is such a testament of how much he was loved. I am beyond sorry for your devastating loss and my heart aches for your family. May you find peace in his memories, and strength from your family and friends.
- Judy Wery, Savannah, Georgia
Kessler Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you during this most difficult time.
- Debbie Brannen, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Aunt Wanda , Georg
I LOVE YOU MY SON ! Give Mom, Dad and Aunt Barb , Nanny and Papa, Pa and Popma a hug and a kiss for me. Rest in peace. Dad.
- , ,
I'm so sorry to the family for your loss. Cole was the most loved person I ever met. He touched the life of so many. He may gone but no one will ever forget him. The 2 peas in a pod are together again. Fly high
- heather heppel, Savannah, GA
Debbie so sorry for your loss. In my prayers.
- Patricia Lay, Lawerenceburg, Tn
A candle has been lit!
- Nancy Butler , Flo
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends that Cole touched during his journey. I only had the honor of getting to know him briefly but he left an impact on me that I will always remember. The world in the lives of those that knew him best will definitely be a shade darker now that Coles light has dimmed and vanished from this world. So grateful I had the opportunity to get to know you, no matter how brief our interaction was. RIP Brother! See you on the other side!
- Kris Shuman, Rincon, Georgia
Debbie, I so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Cole at your home. He was a very nice young man. He will be missed by all of you. I'm here for you! Leslie
- Leslie Parrish, Pooler, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Kristina K Oliver , Georg
My name is Ian I attended The Bridges of Hope with Cole end he was my roommate for 3 and 1/2 months. At the Bridges you move rooms a lot but because Cole had his health issues at the beginning of his stay he had to stay on the bottom bunk the entire time he was there and didn't end up having to switch rooms for his first three and a half months. I can honestly say that Cole was a true best friend.I remember the first time I saw Cole I thought to myself this guy is not going to make it I thought he was going to leave within the week so later on that day whenever I heard that Cole was gone I wasn't surprised. I later found out that he didn't go back home he went to the detox in town because of his situation. When he came back he was ready to do 6 months. At first I thought Cole was loud and I didn't like that because I like to be the loud funny one so at first I honestly didn't care for the guy and because life is funny a little bit later Cole became my roommate. So I was put in a room with Cole and another guy from Savannah who came from tent city. That first night they stayed up late talking and I thought they were insane. A few days later that guy ended up leaving he couldn't hack it anymore Cole tried to get him to stay but he wasn't having it. So Cole and I were forced to make small talk by the end of that night we were inseparable. We both have a very alternative sense of humor and liked to laugh and prank and carry on. I'm also an artist but my field is music and Cole and I both had similar music interest I would play guitar on the porch and he would hang out and draw and we would talk long into the night and end up in tears laughing so hard I used to love making him laugh because I liked his laugh. We had fun in the midst of real pain. During all of the commotion I saw a true change begin to happen and take a hold of Cole. His health slowly came back he got glasses he was gaining weight and he was recovering. his shares were coming from his heart and he had a true desire to know Jesus and make a change in his life. My wife ended up leaving 3 weeks before my 6 months at the bridges were over she had found someone else and she took my son. At that place nobody keep can keep one by the next hour everyone knows your business I knew that there was only one person that I could tell and that was Cole and if he hadn't been there I would have left and probably wouldn't be here today to write this. At the bridges whenever you leave the day you leave is called your bless out date and on your bliss out date you pick four friends to read the daily devotion and thought for the day Etc and each one of those friends says something about you for a couple minutes and wishes you good luck I chose Cole to be one of the speakers because he was a my friend and a brother. I wasn't sad though because I knew I would see him again When I left I gave him my number because we had big plans when he got out. I was always told that when you leave the bridges the people you say you're going to hang out with and go see never end up following through and you never see or hear from them again Out of about 10 people from Savannah that I tried to see whenever my family vacationed in Tybee for the few weeks a year that we're there Cole was the only Bridges brother that saw me and I really tried to hang with every one. And I knew then that some of the people that I thought were friends I was wrong about but I knew I wasn't wrong about Cole. I spent the night one night and then went back to see him a couple more times before we left we talked pretty regularly after summer and then it turned into about once a month. He tried calling me a week before he passed maybe two and I missed the call and didn't call him back I was just caught up and I thought that I would get a call from him later or I'd call him when I got some free time and that never happened. To Kohls family I would like to say that Cole didn't want recovery and a new life and he got that through salvation in Jesus Christ I've been a skeptic my whole life especially when it comes to that I was raised in church but like Jonah I've been running for a long time and I can't run anymore and I'm glad that Cole found his way also just because he died from an overdose does not make him a bad person it doesn't make him Unworthy of love and fond remembrance drug addiction is a hard if not the hardest thing to shake and even with salvation it can come up and bite you if you aren't taking the steps to combat it I love Cole dearly and he was one of my best friends I have some of his drawings on my mirror and I see them everyday and miss him dearly. But Just like my bless out date it's bittersweet I'm going to miss him but not for too long I'll see you again one day brother in the sweet by and by I love you Cole.
- Ian Tew,Georgia , Perry
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200