Paul Alfred Kessler

Paul Alfred Kessler, born on February 24, 1922, lived a life defined by humility, kindness, and respect for everyone he encountered. Always the perfect gentleman, Paul earned the admiration, respect, and trust of all who knew him. For over thirty years, he served as the banker for his poker group, a role that reflected his integrity and dependability.

During the Great Depression, his family moved to Houston in search of better opportunities. Paul worked to help support his family, graduated from San Jacinto High School, and spent as much time as possible playing basketball, a sport he deeply loved. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, where he serviced U.S. and Allied aircraft crossing the Atlantic Ocean. While serving, Paul continued to play basketball and was often the leading scorer in games.

After World War II, Paul was offered a position on an Army exhibition basketball team. However, he chose to forgo this opportunity for basketball stardom and entered civilian life. He worked first for Proler Steel and then, for over 30 years, for Sampson Steel in Beaumont, Texas, until his retirement.

Paul deeply loved his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry; his brother, Bernard and wife, Shirley; his brother-in-law, Sigmund Herman and wife, Mitzi; and his parents, Annie and Sam Kessler.

He is survived by his sister, Florence Lait (Bob); his daughters, Marilyn Kessler and Arlene Gerger (Alan); his grandchildren, Emily Segal (Graham and daughters, Devyn and Maeve) and Tracy Leiman (Mark and children, Jack and Kate); and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was deeply committed to Temple Emanuel, where he served in every leadership role, including president, and led or actively participated in all capital campaigns. After retiring from Sampson Steel, Paul maintained his daily exercise routine until the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed his gym. Even then, he stayed in touch with his exercise buddies.

At the age of 101, Paul decided to move to Houston to be closer to family. He joined the Jewish War Veterans Levy Post 574 and continued to exercise whenever he could. Over his lifetime, Paul likely spent more days playing basketball and working out with friends than working for a paycheck. He attributed his long life to clean living (no drinking or smoking) and regular exercise.

Paul passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 102, surrounded by his daughters and granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Temple Emanuel (www.emanuelbeaumont.org) 1120 Broadway, Beaumont, Texas 77701, or Houston Hospice (www.houstonhospice.org).

Mr. Kessler’s funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Temple Emanuel, 1120 Broadway, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Hebrew Rest Cemetery.