Rufus Kehl

Rufus “Russ” Bates Kehl, Jr., 89, of Florence, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Russ was born on October 27, 1932, in Northport, MI, the son of the late Rufus Bates, Sr. and Myrtle Nelson Kehl.He graduated from Northport High School with an Athletic Letter in basketball. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Russ served in the Korean War earning the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge in January 1955. Russ met and married Mary Koester Kehl in 1956. After his service to the country he loved, Russ attended college graduating with a degree in accounting. He worked with GMAC Finance and several banks throughout South Carolina. He later moved in auto sales and hotel management. Russ never knew a stranger and enjoyed hearty and joyful conversation. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Edward Nelson Kehl (Vida) & Pauline Kehl Craker (Robert). Russ is survived by his former wife, Mary Walker Kehl; children: Amelia (Amy) Anne Kehl, Rev. Rufus (Rusty) Bates Kehl III (Dee Dee), Eric Nelson Kehl (Kathy) and Jennifer Kehl Gardiner (Lee); 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and sister, Genevieve Kehl. Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at St. Luke Lutheran Church with Rev. Kathy Campbell presiding.Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Florence National Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1201 Cherokee Rd, Florence, SC 29501, in honor of Russ Kehl. Please sign the tribute wall for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.