Orville Paul Kesling

Orville Paul “Bud" Kesling, age 94, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, in Bastrop, Texas. Born on August 16, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, Bud lived a long and accomplished life marked by dedication to his craft, deep love for his family, and an enduring zest for life.

Bud graduated from Woodward High School in Toledo in 1948 and immediately pursued his passion for engineering. He attended the Ford Motor Company Engineering School in Chicago from 1948 to 1950, specializing in tooling and manufacturing. His thirst for knowledge continued throughout his life—he later attended aviation school in Opa-locka, Florida, where he earned his Aircraft & Engine repair license. He also completed various college courses through online programs and Austin Community College, including AutoCAD I, II, and III.

His professional journey as a tooling and manufacturing engineer spanned decades and took him across the country. Bud spent twenty years with Teledyne CAE in Toledo before moving on to Martin Marietta in Kentucky. When the company relocated to Houston, he continued his career with Reed Tool, Baker Service Tool, and Camco. He ultimately retired from Lockheed in Austin, Texas. Throughout his career, Bud was known for his technical expertise and leadership. He served as Commodore of the Ottawa River Yacht Club in Toledo and was Chairman of the Austin chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Bud’s personal life was just as rich as his professional one. He married and found true love with Jane on his birthday 8/16/1957. He found joy in airplanes and building model cars and aircraft. He LOVED bowling and taking family trips to explore the great outdoors. One very memorable trip was to the Philippines to visit Chris and Carmela. Sunday drives were a cherished tradition, often accompanied by barbecues or swims. Local festivals, bluegrass, big band and country music abounded. He could dance a jig or waltz or make up his own new dance craze. He rarely turned down an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Animals held a special place in his heart—as did sharing the daily newspaper with Jane—and he delighted in playing card games like war with the great grand children and Euchre tournaments with friends and family.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Tracy Marie Miller and son-in-law George O. Miller; daughter-in-law Carmela Kesling; granddaughter Princess Gomez of the Philippines; grandchildren Jared L. McHaffie (Claire), Simon J. Castañeda, Kiara I. Thompson (Travis), Cassandra J. Castañeda (Jose), and Brooke A. Castañeda; great-grandchildren Zoey, Lyra, Hazel, Sophia, and Adeline.

He is also survived by his brother Carl Kesling of Toledo, Ohio; his sister-in-law Nancy Elliott of Oregon, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Fern Kesling; son Christopher Kesling; and siblings James Kesling, John Kesling, Delaura (Lair) Kesling, and Richard Kesling.

Those who knew Bud will remember him as extremely kind and full of love and laughter—thoughtful, generous, attentive, intelligent—and someone who never met a stranger. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with warmth and wisdom.

The viewing will be held 8/16/2025 from 5-7 p.m. and the memorial service will be held immediately after, at 7 p.m. to honor Bud’s remarkable life.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.