Richard Paul Cesler

Richard Paul Cesler, 84, known to his loving family and friends as Dick, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday – July 19, 2018 – after finally succumbing to a long illness. Paula, his wife of 39 years, was by his side. The third of three children to Floyd and Mary Thomas Cesler, Dick was born on Vine Street in Cincinnati on May 25, 1934 – growing up in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of his hometown. A graduate of Woodward High School, Dick spent his youth playing sandlot baseball and football while developing a lifelong affinity for the local-style chili and his beloved Reds, often showing his colors by selflessly sneaking into old Crosley Field to provide his booming vocal support, and eventually landing a job there in his teens. Dick graduated from Taylor University where he played football and went on to complete post grad work at Southern Baptist Seminary. He was a Methodist Minister in the communities of Quincy MI, Hoagland IN, Greenville IN, Galena IN…as well as Shawnee Methodist in Louisville’s west end. He transitioned from the pulpit into education serving as the Personnel Director in the former Louisville City School system. After the city and county boards of education merged, Dick chose the classroom where he taught Social Studies and History at Thomas Jefferson HS, Shawnee HS, Doss HS - as well as coaching football, baseball, and girls’ basketball. He was especially fond of his TJ teaching family, a circle of friends that he remained close to through his final days. Dick was a resident of Louisville for more than 50 years, touching countless of lives as a preacher, teacher, and coach. Dick’s love of country inspired him to run for political office in 1980 by seeking a bid as the Republican candidate in Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional District. While unsuccessful in the general election, and never to take the political plunge again, it never kept Dick from advancing his agenda through volumes of letters to the editor over the years. Dick loved practical jokes, was a lifelong student of history, and always taught that no matter what you do, strive to do it well. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul, and is survived by his wife Paula; and six children from his first wife, Shirley Cesler: Stephen (and wife, Judi) Cesler, Susannah (Brendan) Mullally, David Cesler, Jonathan Cesler, Margaret (Terry) Sandefur, and James (Paris) Cesler; 14 grand-children and five great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at 5:30PM Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Fisherville Baptist Church at 14910 Taylorsville Road. In lieu of flowers the family requests all donations go to Hosparus of Louisville.

Richard Paul Cesler

May 25, 1934 - July 19, 2018