Ova Gussler Jr

Ova Lee Gussler Jr., 93, passed into Heaven Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Hospice Care Center in Ashland. Lee was the son of the late Ova Lee Sr. and Bessie Lyon Gussler. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife Pearl Way Gussler, his son Ova Lee Gussler III, a sister Elwanda Franz and a brother Roger Gussler.
Lee graduated from Ashland High School and, after serving as a pilot with the Army Air Corp during World War II, completed a degree in Engineering at Marshall University.
When the war was over, Lee settled in Ashland, KY to raise his family and built many homes with his father. Later he started several successful businesses such as Alumnicraft and Architectural Cultured Marble. Lee had several patents for innovative construction techniques.
Lee was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ashland and attended Day Break Community Church while living in Lexington. After returning to Ashland he attended Wildwood Baptist Church. Lee demonstrated his faith in many ways in our community as he encouraged, supported and mentored everyone that he encountered.
Lee was a 32nd degree mason with the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Poage Lodge #325 for 68 years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #350 and the American Legion Post 76. Lee was an avid hunter, fisherman and boatman. He loved flying model planes and helicopters, but his favorite activity was dancing with his wife.
He would proudly tell you, however, that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He had a very keen interest in each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He gave of his time and talents too many charities and churches including Habit for Humanity, building of churches, mission trip to Cosa Rica and as a volunteer pilot to fly children with disabilities to special camps for the summer.
Lee had a curiosity, desire for learning, and a zest for life that will be dearly missed by family, friends, and anyone who knew him.
His loving family includes his wife Joyce Stevens Gussler, daughters Linda G. Wolfe and husband David, Teresa Way Glancy and husband Nicholas, step son Greg Stevens and wife Carol, step daughter Tammy Stapleton and husband Tony, his grandchildren, who all loved and admired him, Kimberly Gussler (Gavin) Ramsey, David D. Wolfe Jr, Jonathan Lee (Micah) Gussler, Emily (Ryan) Schwartz, Shannon (Mark) Sloan, Joseph (Emma) Wolfe, Jacob( Autumn) Glancy, step grandchildren Sam, Kayla and Zach Stapleton, great-grandchildren Destiny, Hannah, Callie, Mason, Jessica, Andrew, Bella, Riley, Ali, Ben, George, Benett, Titus, Anna Lee, Claire, Winston and Addison. He is also survived by a brother Dr. Charles Gordon (Dixie) Gussler, a sister Lynita Gussler Sexton, a daughter in law Sandra Gussler and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 3:00pm Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the Steen Funeral Home 13th St. Chapel. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Burial Park with full military honors by the American Legion Post 93.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 Wednesday at the Funeral Home.
Online condolence to www.steenfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101 or Habitat for Humanity, 1544 Winchester Ave Ste 921, Ashland, KY 41101.