Matthew Allen “Matt” Kessler, age 45, of Sandstone, WV and previously of Shelby, OH, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, WV.
Matt was born April 29, 1980 in Shelby, OH, the son of the late William Leo “Bill” Kessler Jr. and Starr Lynn (Plumley) Kessler. He was a graduate of Crestview High School in Ashland, OH/Pioneer CTC in Shelby, OH and Mountain State University, Beckley, WV where he graduated with an associate degree in Medical Assisting. He was a Certified Medical Assistant in the State of West Virginia.
When Matt was younger, he was involved in Boy Scouts, Ganges Junior Garden Club, and 4-H. He had the opportunity in 4-H to represent Richland County at The Ohio State Fair for his various projects. Matt was a gifted pianist who was able to play by both ear and music. He collected Match Box cars and John Deere diecast tractors as a child.
Matt was a very hard-working and dedicated employee. He previously worked for Sears, Huntington and Mechanics Banks, and was a substitute bus driver for Richland Newhope-Richland County Board of DD Mansfield, OH and Raleigh County School District Beckley, WV. Matt found his true calling as a medical assistant with Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems (ARH) Beckley, WV in the Orthopedics Department. He worked for ARH for over 15 years as a medical assistant. He was well respected among colleagues, physicians, and patients.
Matt had such a huge, giving, loving, and compassionate heart. He loved to give gifts to others for no apparent reason. He would always make sure that his family and friends were taken care of before himself. He enjoyed taking drives up to the top of the mountain that he lived on to look at the wonder of God’s creation. Matt enjoyed a tall glass of Diet Coke or Coke Zero while watching Golden Girls, Scooby Doo, Veterinary, and other various TV shows/movies. He had a wonderful sense of humor, witty personality, ornery/sneaky smile, infectious laugh, and sharp memory.
Matt is survived by his mother: Starr Lynn (Plumley) Kessler of Shelby, OH; sister and brother-in-law: Dawn & Allen Trosper, of Shelby, OH; aunts and uncle; Sandra (Wayne) Gillespie, of Ballard, WV and Madline Doring, of Trinity, TX; numerous cousins living in Ohio, West Virginia, and Texas; and his ARH colleagues, physicians, and patients, and friends who loved him like family in West Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents: Orville and Lyda Plumley and William “Leo” Sr. and Frances Kessler; angel nephew: Eli Scott Trosper; his aunts and uncles: Bill and Ramona Mitchell, Stanley and Betty Farley, Bart Doring and Timothy Plumley; cousin: Patricia Mitchell Young; and dog: Daisy.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 5- 7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main St., Shelby, OH. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home with Pastor Sam Belstering officiating. Burial will be in Ganges Cemetery, Ganges, OH. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in West Virginia at a later date.
Matt’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law would like to give their appreciation and love to his family, friends, and ARH colleagues, physicians, and patients who have loved and supported Matt while he lived in West Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a contribution to be made in Matt’s honor at a later date.
To view Matt’s tribute video, click here: Matt’s tribute video.
I am so saddened to hear this! I always had fun talks with Matt when I’d see him. He was such a nice, down to earth guy. I will surely miss him, as will our entire ARH family. Fly high Matt!
Starr, so very sorry to hear of your son’s passing.
Matt sounded like a kind man.
Our condolences,
Angie and Troy Elliott
I am truly heartbroken to hear this news. My deepest condolences go out to the family during this incredibly challenging time. Matt and I shared a profound bond as we grew up together, going to Creatiview and participating in the same 4-H club and many school activities. His memory will forever be cherished, and I will always hold onto our shared moments.
Starr and family I am so sorry to hear about Matt’s passing. A beautiful write up about him. Cherish your memories and how proud you must be. I remember him as a little guy. Hugs.
Matt was one of my fifth grade students and I remember him as caring and very friendly. Even after he left fifth grade he always came back to visit my classroom and share his goals for the future. I remember his sister, Dawn and his mother, Starr. Matt will always share a special place in my heart.
I am heartbroken to hear of his passing!
Starr and family I am very sorry for your loss my heart break for you. Hold on to all the precious memories.Thing of you guys in this very difficult time. God bless Vicky Todd.
Starr and Dawn you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear about Matt. I don’t have words as I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I will always treasure the memories he made with my kids when they were younger. Knowing he is in heaven is great but it doesn’t ease the pain right now. I love you and will be at the service on Tuesday.
I had the priviledge to work with Starr at Love In The Name of Christ in Mansfield. I remember Starr speaking of Matthew many times. Her love and pride for him was so evident as she shared his endeavors with us. My heart goes out to Starr and family. What a loss this is for the family and all who knew him; But oh, what a gain it is for heaven. Keeping all of you in my continued prayers!
I was shocked and heartbroken to hear of Matt’s death. My last appt, we talked for a long time. I’ve known him since working at ARH in 2012. Kind, hardworking and so sweet. I dread going to my appt next week knowing I won’t see him there. It just won’t be the same. Till we meet again…. Prayers to family and friends.
Starr and Dawn, I am so sorry for your loss. I do understand the pain you’re going through. Continue to trust in our Lord as you lean into Him for comfort during this hard time. Sending hugs
Sally