Neil Bruce Kessler, 73

Lakeland – Officer Neil B. Kessler passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019. He was born in Lakeland, FL and has been a lifetime resident. Neil worked as a traffic homicide investigator for the Lakeland Police Department. He loved being an officer and worked for the Department from June 20, 1977 to March 31, 1995. Neil also was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served during the Vietnam Conflict. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary Kessler; brothers, Roger and Kevin Kessler. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, June Kessler; sons, Jason and Chad Kessler; grandchildren, Marissa Blankenship, Chase Kessler, Chance Kessler and great grandson, Caden Earls. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 10th from 10:00 – 11:00am at Bethel Baptist Church. Services will begin at 11:00am and interment will follow at Socrum Cemetery. Arrangements by Gentry Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.gentry-morrison.com