Obituary of Gerald Duane Kissel

Gerald Duane “Bubba” Kissel, 67, of Rockledge, FL, passed away on September 6th, 2021 after a strenuous battle with Covid-19 complications. Duane was born on June 17th, 1954 to Eugene “Pete” Kissel and Katherine Kissel in Ashland, Ohio. After graduating from Eau Gallie High School in 1972, he went on to study Criminal Justice at Mercer University and later obtained his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. Upon graduation, he served 30 years for the Gwinnett County Police Department with positions including Major of the Detective’s Unit and the Assistant Chief of Police. His legacy was establishing the Police Benevolence Fund which is still in place today. It financially supports injured police offers and serves as a college scholarship for officers’ children to attend school. Duane is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kissel; his siblings, Karen Abernathy and Mark Kissel; his three children, Dana Mobley, Jared Kissel, and Adam Kissel; his two stepchildren, Allison Barfield and Clay Barfield; his son-in-law and two daughter-in-laws, Ron Mobley, Milett Kissel, and Stephanie Kissel; and his six grandchildren, Junior, Noah, River, Lia, Xander, and Connor. After retiring in 2007 from the Police Department, Duane and his wife Beth retired to Rockledge, Florida to reconnect with old friends and family. He enjoyed spending his free time traveling to softball tournaments, watching UGA football games, and enjoying local restaurants with his wife and friends such as “Margarita Monday” or “Texas Roadhouse Thursday.” Duane was kind-hearted, giving, funny, intelligent, strong, persistent, and a leader. He made a true impact on every person he met and will forever be missed. Heaven gained an angel. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Duane’s life that will be held on October 1st at @3p.m. in Rockledge, Florida at Rotary Park at Suntree.