Robert Donavon Kersten of Maitland, Florida deceased December 28, 2022. Born January 30, 1927 in Carlinville, IL, son of Fred & Beulah Kerstein. Predeceased by parents and three brothers – Randall, Ronald & Kenneth. Survivors include daughter Susan (John Martin) and son John, and grandchildren Bryan (Lauren) Martin, Sean (Megan) Martin, Darren (Alli) Martin, Kelsey Martin, Cole Kersten, Lane Kersten and great-grandchildren Jake, Scott, Eleanor and Ty Martin.
Dr. Kersten was Founding Dean and Professor of the College of Engineering at the University of Central Florida and a graduate of the Oklahoma State and Northwestern Universities. He had a long history of service with the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology including chairing the Engineering Accreditation Commission and service with the International Activities Council in addition to authoring over 100 professional papers and five books, including a Kersten family history. Dr. Kersten was a Fellow Member of ABET, ASCE, AAAS and NSPE. He has received the Distinguished Service Award of NCEES and the Centennial Medal of ASEE in addition to the Vector de Oro of the Pan American Union in 2012 for contributions to engineering education in Latin America. He was elected to membership in the Pan American Academy of Engineering in 2002, and made a Distinguished Member of ASCE in 2006. Dr. Kersten recently completed 30 years of service in association with the AAES International Committee and NSPE/ASCE/ASME Task Force. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and Founding Member of Orange County East Rotary Club and was granted the Rotary International Service Award. He spent many annual vacations volunteering for construction and water supply projects in Honduras, Guatemala and Peru and greatly enjoyed traveling, hiking, genealogy, basketball and studying Will Rogers. A longtime member of North Park Baptist Church, he served as deacon and teacher.
The Moore Funeral Homes-Southlawn Chapel, Tulsa, OK is in charge of arrangements. A local memorial service will be held at North Park Baptist Church Orlando, FL at 10:30am, January 7, 2023.