Marion Ray Kesler

Marion Ray Kesler, age 95, passed away peacefully Friday, April 10, 2015 at his home in Taylorsville, Utah. He was born September 21, 1919 in Parowan, Utah to Albert Kesler and Myrtle Idona Lee. He was married on September 10, 1944 to Viola Leavitt in Los Angeles, California. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Marion's dear wife, with whom he shared his life and to whom he gave roses nearly every day, preceded him in death on Feb 17, 2015. Marion spent his early days in Delta then Tooele Utah. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1938. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1941. He was transferred from San Diego to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii after boot camp. On the U.S.S. Hulbert he witnessed the first wave of Japanese planes as they headed toward the battleships. After signaling general alarm he assisted a gunner. After the attack his ship attempted to ram a Japanese submarine. Several months later the ship was ordered to the Aleutian Islands. The USS Hulbert furnished support during the battle of Attu that lasted for three weeks. Marion met and later married his wife, Viola during the war. He left the service after the war and they returned to Salt Lake City. Marion worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation, as a welder, until he retired in 1982. He belonged to an LDS Church study group for 55 years as well as a family home evening group and was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. He served in several positions at his ward and also served in the Jordan River Temple. He loved working in his shop, on his cars and in his rose garden. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his grand children and great grand children. He is survived by his brothers Veryl and Calvin Kesler; children Linda Caywood and Dr. Kenneth (Marchelle) Kesler; grandchildren Amy Caywood, Erin (Jamie) Askar Tonya (Ryan) Walker, Anthony "Tug" Caywood, Kyle (Shelly) Hanson, Monique Hanson, MacKenzie Kesler; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Viola, and siblings Lee, Ethel, Jack, Annie, Idona, and Betty. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2015, 12:00 noon at the Taylorsville 15th Ward, 1457 West Atherton Dr. (4300 S.) where viewings will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday at the church, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates. Under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home. Place of Birth:Parowan, UtahPlace of Death:Taylorsville, UtahHobbies:Working in his shop, on his cars and in his rose garden