Kevin Essner

KELSO, Mo. -- Kevin Joseph Essner, 52, of Kelso died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 15, 1965, in Cape Girardeau to Vincent Stephen and Lorena Mary Diebold Essner. He and Laurie Holshouser were married Sept. 26, 1987, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso.

Kevin was a 1983 graduate of Notre Dame High School and received an agriculture-business degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

He was a senior vice president for Capaha Bank and then became market president for MRV Banks of Sikeston, Missouri.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso and the Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 6420.

Survivors include his wife, Laurie Essner of Kelso; two daughters, Brittany Essner of Cape Girardeau and Madeline Essner of Kelso; a son, John Essner of Kelso; three sisters, Anna Rose (Francis) Bles, Marilyn (Randal) Friend and Shirley (Greg) Eftink, all of Kelso; and three brothers, Norman (Dorothy) Essner, Robert (Karla) Essner and Jerome (Beverly) Essner, all of Kelso.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso. A Knights of Columbus prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today at the church.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Casteel officiating. Burial will be at St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery in Kelso.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Augustine School Building Fund or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.