Last Updated on August 13, 2017 by cassnetwork
Mark Andrew Kesling, 52, Avon, formerly of Logansport, passed away at 9:28 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, in Howard Community Regional Health following complications from a recent surgery.
Mark was born December 6, 1964, in Logansport. He was the son of Norman Granville and Birdella (Hatke) Kesling.
On May 8, 1993, in the Baptist Temple, he was married to Suzanne M. Binney Kesling, who survives. Mark and Suzanne were blessed with two beautiful children, Morgan and Nathan.
A 1982 graduate of Lafayette Jeff High School, Mark went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from Purdue University.
Mark first earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 14. A recent Delta jet pilot, he had also flown for several other airlines including ATA, Allegheny, Mohawk and Xiamen. Additionally, Mark had over 12 type ratings in a wide range of jets. He loved sharing his knowledge by teaching at Eagle Creek Airport and had taught aviation classes at Purdue University. He was a member of ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association) and was well-respected as a negotiator during Union Contract talks.
Mark attended Kingsway Church in Avon. He was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity.
He enjoyed farming and raising alpacas. In addition, Mark had coached his son’s AJAA basketball team and served as a personal coach when his children played tennis. Next to flying, following the stock market was his second passion. Mark was an adventurer and the official family travel agent who would plan wonderful, last minute and spontaneous vacations.
Surviving with his wife are his parents: Birdella Kesling (Les) Johanning of Kokomo; Norman (Mary Lou) Kesling, of Logansport; one daughter Morgan M. Kesling and one son Nathan G. Kesling, both of Avon; one sister, Beth Ann Kesling (Kelly Ohmann) of Tipton; nieces and nephews, Chelsea (Alastair) Leach and Chloe (Adam) Shadwich both of Indianapolis, and Christa Howerton and Brandon Bledsoe, both of Tipton; and several uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
A funeral service celebrating Mark’s life will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, in Fisher Funeral Chapel, 1801 Chase Road, Logansport.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Sunday in the funeral chapel.
Mark’s wishes were to be cremated and scattered in the waters near Boothbay Harbor, Maine – a peaceful, memorable place that he loved.
Memorial contributions may be made to EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) to give wings to the dreams of future aviators.