Kessler B. Baldwin

Kessler B. Baldwin, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Sturgill Care Center, Brooksville, FL.

Born in Cortland, NY, he was the son of the late Carrie and Neal C. Baldwin.  He was a lifelong resident of South Otselic, NY.  After graduating from South Otselic High School, he attended Mt. Hermon Prep School and SUNY Cortland for a short time and then enlisted in the Air Force.  During World War II, he was a pilot flying B-24's and some 30 missions.  After serving his country, he received a BS degree in Physical Education and Health at SUNY Cortland.  He worked as a postal clerk and then postmaster at South Otselic, retiring with 32 years of service.  He remained in the reserves, retiring from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel.

He had a passion and talent for baseball with quite a high school record as a left-handed pitcher, and then in adulthood playing on town teams.

He was an active member of the community and held various offices in many organizations:  Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Fire Department, Emergency Squad, Board of Education, and Postal Department.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed his home in Florida, traveling, and playing golf, and will always be remembered for the stories he liked to share.

He is survived by his children, Sandra (James, deceased) Justice, Brenda (Wade) Hubbard, and Bradley (Cheri) Baldwin; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Norma, and a brother, Neal (wife, Mildred) Baldwin, Jr.

A graveside ceremony, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View Cemetery, South Otselic, NY, with Reverend Carl Johnson officiating.  There will be no prior calling hours or funeral service.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Kessler may be directed to the South Otselic Fire Department and Emergency Squad.