Lawrence Benedict Kessen, 70, died Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at Trinity Manor Nursing Home in Dodge City. He was born on February 17, 1940 in Spearville, the son of Paul and Helen (Fitzgerald) Kessen.

He married Carolyn Roberts on May 25, 1960, and was blessed by having six children together; they later divorced. A lifetime resident of Spearville, he was good at carpentry, farmed, and worked at the Wright Coop for many years. He had a passion for horses and was tender hearted to all animals in need.

Survivors include two daughters Jeanette Gunkel and husband John of Spearville and Marjorie Spence and husband Keith of Eudora; three sons, Dan Kessen and wife Cheri of Lewellen, Nebraska; Dennis Kessen of Crescent, Oklahoma; Tim Kessen and wife Shelly of Rancho Murieta, California. He is also survived by a brother, Don Kessen and wife Julie of Minneola; sister, Rosemary Kiser of Dodge City; and a sister-in-law, Gertrude Kessen of Fowler. Mr. Kessen is also survived by ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son Patrick Steven Kessen; a brother, Paul Leonard Kessen; and a sister, Eileen Siedl.

Funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Spearville on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ted Stoecklein presiding. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Spearville. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Thursday, December 16, 2010 from noon to 5:00 PM. A vigil service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Spearville on Thursday December 16, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be made in his name to the animal programs at Youthville in Dodge City.