Merle Richie Kessler, 90 of Kennewick, passed away April 24, 2016. He was born November 20, 1925 in Midland, South Dakota to Merle and Agnes Kessler. Richie lived a full life. Born in Midland, a small town in the black hills of South Dakota, he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming and getting into mischief. Moved to Denver in his teens, graduated there and into the Navy at 17. He spent 27 months in the South Pacific on board the ship during WWII. Despite the war, he was able to spend some time in places like Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand and got into mischief there as well. After the war, he married Vi in '47 and they were together 53 years and were blessed with four children. Truly a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a devout Catholic, very humble and never thought he was good enough. But we are here to tell you dad – you were the best and we all love you and know God loves you. You are forever in our hearts. Richie is survived by children Rodney Kessler, Mitch Kessler, Cindy Kessler Dugan, and Gail Kessler West; grandchildren Derek Kessler, Adam Kessler, Melia Kessler, Dylan Scott, Heather Scott-Sortor, Kris Williams, Dustin West, Sarah West Bagley, Daniel Kessler, Lisa Kessler; great-grandchildren Jordan and Tommy Williams, Eila Kessler, Anabelle, Rosemary and Truman Kessler, Carly, Taylor and Noah Scott, Tristan Scott-Shaw, Cynarra Scott-Sortor, Makaylyn and Conner Kessler, Alijah, Kynoa and Mateo Sipai, Jerin and Lanikai Bagley, Nathan, Braydon and Jaylen West, and Brian and Uriah Kessler. He was preceded in death by his first wife Viola Kessler, granddaughter Cynarra Renee Scott, mother Agnes, father Merle, sister Karol, brother Dave; and second wife Giovanna (JoAnne) Balsamo. Memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 29, 2016, 11:00 a.m., at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1320 W Henry St., Pasco. An Altar Society reception will follow.