WWII Sebastian Co Ar

Winfred "Wimpy" Cross Kesner
1924-2019

Shared by Rosie Green
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Winfred Cross Kesner, known by all as "Whimpy", was born July 30, 1924 in Greenwood, Sebastian Co.,Ar. ro John Wesley & Bonnie Belle Cross Kesner. September 7, 1946 Whimpey married Virginia Pauline Hough in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. as both were residents there at that time.

The only draft card found for him was His 2nd draft card dated January 16, 1946 and was filed at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. It says he had an Honarble Discharge from the US Navy Januay 8, 1946. He served after that in the Korean War as mentioned in his obituary below.

Winfred Cross Kesner passed away February 10, 2019 at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. His burial was in Fort Smith National Cemetery at Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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Winfred "Wimpy" Cross Kesner entered heaven's gates on, February 10, 2019. He was born July 30, 1924 in the Greenwood Community and lived his life in the Fort Smith area.

Wimpy's early years were impacted by his military service to his country during WW II and the Korean War. He served with the 46th Battalion of the newly organized Construction Battalion, better known as the Sea Bees. He was stationed on various Pacific Islands during WW II building docks, air fields, and other structures needed for the advancing troops. His time during the Korean War was spent in Amchitka, Alaska, continuing his service with the Sea Bees. He always said that the best education he ever received was his time spent with the Sea Bees. Upon his return from WW II, Wimpy married Pauline Hough and began his home building career. He completed his first home at the age of 22 and went on to a 50 year career as a custom home builder. He served as the secretary-treasurer of the newly organized Arkansas State Homebuilder's Association and was a founding member of the Fort Smith Homebuilder's Association, service in many capacities, such as, president and vice-president. Wimpy served on the Fort Smith Planning Commission for many years. Another aspect of this building career included construction of Central Missionary Baptist Church and serving as the chairman of the building committee at East Side Baptist Church. This was one of the many ways he served his Lord and Savior and his church. Upon retirement, Wimpy built custom staircases, grandfather clocks and children's furniture. He always said he had the perfect retirement.

He is survived by three daughters; Phyllis Russell and husband Jim; Kathy Austin and husband Buddy; Rosemary Geren and husband Terry all of Fort Smith; two brothers, Mark Kesner and wife Marcelle of Fort Smith; Herbert Kesner of Texarkana, AR; and sister in law, Mary Lou Kesner of Fort Smith. Surviving grandchildren of "Papaw Wimpy" are Col Chris Russell and wife Cindy, Randy Russell and wife Kelly, Kes Austin and Melissa Smith, Mark Austin and Monica, Jeremy Geren and Jessica Geren and Matt Smith; 12 great grandchildren and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Kesner, Sr and Bonnie Cross Kesner, step mother, Alta Kesner; his wife of 64 years, Pauline Hough Kesner; brothers, J.W. Kesner, Jr, Dale Kesner, and sister Marybell Kesner Swearingen. As a member of the greatest generation, Wimpy leaves a legacy of Christian values, hard work and love of family and friends.

Graveside service will be Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the U.S. National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.