Daniel Boyd Kesecker
1934-2023
Daniel Boyd Kesecker of Martinsburg, West Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 19, at the home of his daughter, Kim, in Frederick, Maryland.
One of eight children, Daniel was born the son of Boyd and Mary Kesecker on November 30, 1934, alongside his twin brother, David, in Sleepy Creek, West Virginia.
Daniel graduated from Berkeley Springs High School in 1954. Following high school, he went on to serve in our nation’s military. He served four years in the United States Air Force and then went on to serve in the 167th Air National Guard unit of Martinsburg from 1957 to 1976. He retired from General Motors Parts Division of Martinsburg in the mid-90’s.
In 1959 Daniel married Wilma Dean Hollar of Martinsburg, also a twin. Dan and Wilma went on to have a set of twins (Tim and Kim), as well as another daughter (Shelly) who, as a child, would tell people she was the “regular” one in the family.
One of Daniel’s favorite things in his life was supporting his children in all their sporting events during their growing-up years. He was the dad who was quiet and reserved yet wore a great big smile as he faithfully stood by the fence or sat in the stands at every single one of their games. He continued to be an avid fan and supporter of the Martinsburg Bulldogs for many years after his children graduated.
One of his proudest accomplishments was providing for all three of his children to attend the college of their choice: West Virginia Wesleyan, West Virginia University, and Marshall University.
For all those who knew him as “Chachi,” we will cherish and enjoy the memories of volleyball games in the backyard, gatherings and parties of all kinds on Central Avenue, shenanigans with his best friend Larry Cesa, and the dance move he made famous: Frying the Bacon.
Daniel was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, and his twin brother, David, as well as sisters Christine, Marguarite, Anna Mary, and Edna and oldest brother, Arless.
Daniel is survived by his brother Jim Kesecker (South Carolina); sister-in-law Wanda Koltas (Nevada), brother-in-law Gary Hollar (wife Juanita /Georgia); sister-in-law Ruth Ellen Hollar (Virginia); daughter Shelly Kerr (husband Charles “Bucky”/Martinsburg); twins Tim Kesecker (Melbourne, Florida and Berkeley Springs, W.Va.) and Kim Kesecker (Frederick, Md.); granddaughter Emily Stangle (husband Joshua / Martinsburg) and 11-year-old great-granddaughter Gabrielle Stangle.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m., at the New Life Community Church (4102 Tabler Station Road, Inwood, WV 25428).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Recovery Alive program at New Life Community Church. (www.nlccwv.org/recoveryalive)