Fred J. Kesler, 78, of Newberry, died September 12, 2019 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 10, 1941, a son of the late Henry Adam and Dessie Kilgore Kesler. Fred was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church where he belonged to the Adult II Sunday School Class and previously served on the Church Council. He was also a member of the Lutheran Men in Mission who presented him with the Lifetime Achievement award. He served in the SC National Guard. He was a former owner of Newberry Feed and Farm and continued working as a consultant for ISE. A huge part of his life was working on the farm with his twin brother. He and Ned worked together in the beef cattle industry for approximately 60 years. His community involvement was notable. He was a charter member of the Silverstreet Fire Department, a member of the Silverstreet Young Farmers Association, the Newberry and Saluda Cattlemen Associations. Fred was a dedicated and loyal leader to the SC Dairy Association. He was recognized for his achievements by Clemson University receiving the "Friend of SC Dairy Industry" award. Other recognitions include the Saluda County Industry Service Award and the Philip R. Perry Education and Service Award, and with his brother Ned, Kesler Brothers Farm was a recipient of the Conservationist of the Year award. He spearheaded many chicken BBQ and steak suppers at the Newberry Academy and at his church. His gravy making skills produced some "fine gravy". Fred could grow anything in his garden and his wine making hobby from his home grown blueberries and muscadines won him several ribbons at the SC State Fair. He found time to squeeze in some other activities, dove hunting and fishing being two of his favorites Along with his wife, Harriett, he enjoyed his many travels both in the US and abroad, including Nova Scotia, Israel, Eastern and Western Caribbean, Italy and Greece. He loved the Lord, his family and spending time with friends at "The Party House" in Stoney Hill and at the Coastal Retreat Center at Isle of Palms. Fred is survived by his wife of 48 years, Harriett Chapman Kesler; daughters, Becky K. Kinard and Christie K. Gardner (Scott); son, James M. Kesler; grandchildren, Brianna Kinard (Fiance, Austin Harris), Baylee Kinard, Payton and Austin Gardner; twin brother, Ned J. Kesler (Joyce), brother Joseph Kesler (Judy); sister, Ann K. Senn (Charles); sisters-in-law, Jackie H. Kesler and Vivian K. Kesler; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, John E, Gerald H., James W., and Jackson R. Kesler and sister, Mildred K. Livingston. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 14 at the Whitaker Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, September 15 in St. Luke's Lutheran Church conducted be the Rev. Jason Schaefer. Active pallbearers will be Craig Kesler, Chad Senn, Shaun Kesler, Mark Kesler, Wayne Kesler, Payton Gardner and Austin Gardner. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Ettinger, Windy Gaines, Phil Perry, Daniel Graham, Alan Paysinger, Alan Davenport, Von Metts and the members of Lutheran Men in Mission and the Silverstreet Fire Department. Memorials are suggested to Boys Farm, SCLRC and the Cemetery Fund of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. The family extends a heartfelt thanks for the special care of our loved one to Dr. Alan Paysinger and the staff at Newberry Internal Medicine, Dr. Steven Madden and the staff at Newberry Oncology, the staff at Newberry County Memorial Hospital, the staff of Amedysis Home Health, and the staff at LoRex Drugs. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.