Rodney R. Kahler, CPO USN,

Rodney R. Kahler, age 71, of Perkinston died Monday, March 2, 2015 in Hattiesburg. He was born in Grandview, Missouri and was reared in Dalton, Missouri. After graduating from Keyetesville High School, Rodney spent the next 30 years in the U.S. Military where he completed two tours in Vietnam, 1968 and 1969. Of his many accomplishments, one of his most memorable achievements was receiving the “Sailor of the Year Award in 1984 from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He retired in 1992 as a Chief Petty officer (E-7). After marrying Amelia Guerrero in 1970, they became residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1972. After 36 years on the Coast Rodney and Amelia retired to Perkinston in 2005. Rodney was an active member of Masonic Lodge 635 in Orange Grove. He was also an active member of the Joppa Shiners where he was part of the Motor Corps Unit. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Amelia G. Kahler; daughter, Amelia M. Kahler; son, Shawn A. Kahler; daughter-in-law, Jessica L. Kahler; grandson, Brady A. Kahler; and his sisters, Vaona (Steve) Bledsoe and Deborah (Eddy) Mitchell. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport. The funeral service is Friday, March 6, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial donations may be made to Joppa Shrine Temple, 13280 Shriners Blvd., Biloxi, MS