Brian R. Kessinger

Brian Rickey Kessinger. Also known as Daddy, Papa, Cowboy, Tootie, "Big" Papa, and "Old" Papa. He was born on Jan. 7, 1947, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma to his father Clarence (Darky) Kessinger and his mother Phillis Joann (Jerry) Kessinger. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family who he loved deeply, on April 6, 2026, in Lonsdale, Arkansas.

There aren't enough words to describe how special he was, or what he meant to everyone who knew him. He greeted everyone with a big grin and either a "Hi Sugar" or "Hi Honey" for the girls, or a "Hi Son" or "Hi Buddy" for the boys. Accompanied by a scrunched nose and squinted eyes, and always followed by a big hug and a giggle.

His contagious laugh and endless stories lit up every room. Everyone who met him got to carry on a piece of that light forever. Whether it be a life lesson, a new skill, or a genuine kind conversation from a kind hearted man. He never met a stranger. To know him is to love him, and be loved by him.

He was a man of unwavering strength and determination, guided by deeply rooted values and an unshakeable sense of right and wrong. He stood firmly for what he believed in, never backing down in the face of adversity. Fiercely loyal and protective, he was someone you could always count on and someone not to be crossed if you threatened his principles or the ones he loved.

He had a natural gift for working with his hands, and a lifelong love of tinkering. Whether he was fixing an engine, building a car or something from scratch, to solving a problem others couldn't, he found joy in the process. There really wasn't much that he couldn't do. Many knew him from his earlier days running a tire shop, where he built lasting relationships through his hard work and honest service. He also took great pride in teaching others, always willing to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand. When he wasn't busy with a project, he could often be found outdoors or in his shop, ready for some good conversation and countless laughs.

He adored his family and friends, and was so proud of them all. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Kessinger. Children; Debi (Travis) Bryant, Eric Kessinger, Brandy (James) Lee, Joni (Josh) Scrimshire, Hunter (Courtney) Bryant, and Patricia Smith. Grandchildren; Preston (Meghan) Bryant, Devin (Jazmin) Bryant, Chastity (Nick) Bryant, Destiny (Gaige) Burgett, Sierra Scrimshire, Darrin Scrimshire, Jaelyn Scrimshire, Damon Kessinger, Emily (Chase) Kessinger, Elli Kessinger, Jamie Lee, Brandon Lee, Jacob Lee, Weston Bryant, Alexis (Dalton) Taylor, Braxton Nichols, and Audrey Estes. Great Grandchildren; Izabella Espinosa, Maverick Bryant, Everleigh Bryant, Aubryn Bryant, Faylon Bryant, Tracen Burgett, Ryker Burgett, Bentley Thompson, Paisley Thompson, Daxson Lee, Skylynn Lee, and Rory Taylor. Cousins; Jim (Cleon) Sigman. And a slew of beloved extended family, and countless friends.

He is preceded by his mother and father, his brother, Bob Kessinger, and his beloved son, Brian Kessinger.

He will be missed deeply but we hold on to our faith that we will all have a grand reunion.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences athttp://www.hotspringsfh.com.