East Alton—Carl E. "Corkey" Kesler, 88, passed away at 4:02 a.m. Sunday, December 19, 2021 at OSF St. Anthony's Health Center in Alton.

Born Jan. 8, 1933 in Elco, IL, he was the son of McTitus and Cynthia Ann (Provo) Kesler.

He married Linda Sue Gullett Nov. 7, 1964 in Edwardsville.  She survives.

A Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, he worked as an adjuster and key press operator in the cupping department of Olin Corp. for 44 years before his retirement. He also owned several rental homes in the East Alton area.  Carl was an accomplished musician, and played in several area bands, most recently the Gene Maynard Band.  He was a hard-working man who will be missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Keeney of Brighton; a son, Randy Kesler of East Alton; eight grandchildren, Mikki Dearing, Michael Taylor Bonbrake, Martin Keeney, Brandi Jackson, Erik Kesler, Daniel Spickerman, Shelby Spickerman, and James Stanton; six great grandchildren; a half-sister, Loretta Grant of Anna, IL; and two half-brothers, Perry Roe of Aurora, IL and Larry Roe of Collinsville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Spickerman and a half-brother, Everett "Butch" Roe.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Paynic Home for Funerals from 4 p.m. until services begin at 7 p.m.

An online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com