Jeffrey L. "Jeff" Kahler was born July 1, 1949 in Logansport, Indiana, the son of Melvin L. and Gwen Coble Kahler. He died Monday, March 28, 2016 in Kennewick, Washington.

His love for tractors started as he worked farming throughout his youth and his love continued throughout his entire life. After graduation from Carroll High School in Flora, IN in 1967, he enlisted in the US Army. He attended Army Ranger School and became a Green Beret and an expert Marksman.

Jeff served in Vietnam from March of 1969 through December 28, 1969 when he was severely wounded. As his wounds healed and after his medical retirement in November of 1970, he returned home to Delphi, IN where on July 1, 1972 he was married to Carol Redding.

As a young couple, Jeff and Carol provided a home for six foster boys in the community. Allan, Jerry, and Dana remain an important part of Jeff's legacy. Jeff and Carol ultimately made their way to Washington in 1980 and have made their home in the Tri-Cities ever since, where Jeff was well known as the owner of CJ's Small Engine Repair.

Jeff is survived by his wife Carol; by his brothers, Thomas L. Kahler, wife Sabrina of Marion, IN, Dick L. Kahler, wife Susan of Delphi, IN; by his sisters, Karen L. Griffith, husband Jerry of Indianapolis, IN, Joyce A. Hollingsworth, husband John of Collierville, TN, Lynette M. Martin of Camden, IN, and Christi J. Bennett of Bloomington, IN; by scores of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Gwen Kahler; a nephew, Dustin; brothers-in-law, Larry and Danny; and a sister-in-law Sarah.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Kennewick First Christian Church, 1921 S. Olympia St., in Kennewick