HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 23
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Thompson, and
Delegates Schadler, Evans and Rowan)
Commemorating the passing of Joseph William "Joe Bill" Kessel,
gentleman, educator, public servant, and a great asset to
business and industry.
Whereas, He served his country with honor in the United States
Navy from 1943-1946; and following his honorable discharge,
returned to West Virginia and added much to the State by his
dedication and many contributions; and
Whereas, Joseph William "Joe Bill" Kessel was an outstanding
citizen of West Virginia, obtaining his education at Keyser High
School, West Virginia University, Potomac State College and
Frostburg State College where he excelled as an undergraduate and
a graduate student; and
Whereas, Following his education, "Joe Bill" Kessel chose a
noble career serving as a teacher for many years and being
recognized as West Virginia's Outstanding Teacher of the year
during his tenure; and
Whereas, "Joe Bill" Kessel served his state as a member of the
West Virginia House of Delegates from 1954-1960, and was the
youngest member during his terms; and
Whereas, Mr. Kessel had a successful career in different
positions and disiciplines including earning his principle's
certificate, Human Resources Coordinator at the Mineral County
Vocational Technical Center, Director of Financial Aid and
Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Potomac State
College, and in 1976 becoming the Director of Vocational
Administrator by the State Advisory Administrative Council for
Vocational Education; and
Whereas, Mr. Kessel was active and served the communities where
he lived in many leadership posts and roles including: President
of Keyser Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, charter member of the Junior
Chamber of Commerce, serving on many organizations such as the
Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, the Mineral County Mental
Health Association and Council, Rotary, and over fifty years
membership in the Davis Lodge 51; and
Whereas, Joseph William "Joe Bill" Kessel was awarded the
prestigious Potomac State Advisory Distinguished Service Award,
admitted into the Keyser High School Legion of Honor, was a life
member of the Grace Methodist Church, was a long term member of the
Board of Directors of the F&M Bank, and served his State and
community unselfishly giving of his time and resources; and
Whereas, The death Joseph William "Joe Bill" Kessel should not
go unnoticed; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That regret is hereby expressed by the members at the death of
one of their own former members, Joseph William "Joe Bill" Kessel,
educator, public servant, and great asset to business and industry;
a man who loved his family and his beloved West Virginia, and above
all gave freely of himself for his fellow man; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
forward certified copies of this resolution for the family of "Joe
Bill" Kessel who have suffered a great loss, including his beloved
wife of fifty-one years, Margaret Virginia (Reid) Kessel; his son,
Jeffery Mark Kessel and his wife, Lisa; his daughter Melinda Jeanne
Painter and her husband Jay; as well as to the President of Potomac
State College; and the Mayor of Keyser, West Virginia.