Donald Preston Kelso

He was born in Pulaski, VA on August 12, 1940 and was the son of the late Harold Mills and Lois Miles Kelso. He was married to Sandra Edwards, originally of Knoxville, TN, for 61 years.

He held an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the University of Hawaii. He was a member of the faculty at George Mason University for 36 years prior to retirement and was the founder of George Mason’s programs in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecology. The field trips he led to the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Caribbean were legendary among students.

Kelso continued to be active in retirement at Smith Mountain Lake, VA. He became a Virginia Master Naturalist, studying the water quality of the lake and of the stream at Booker T. Washington National Monument where he volunteered for over 10 years.

He was an active member of the Methodist churches where he lived, serving in numerous leadership roles locally and statewide. Always an educator, he taught Sunday School throughout his adult life, and enjoyed helping others wrestle with difficult topics such as current events and science, and their intersection with faith.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, son Scott (Amanda) Kelso, daughter Shannon (Brian) Sixbey, brother Richard (Sarah) Kelso, grandchildren Caedmon and Catriona Sixbey, William and Andrew Kelso, and various nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2:00pm at First Cary United Methodist Church, 117 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Donald P. Kelso Learning Pier fund at the GMU Foundation: https://qrfy.io/9UT0OLDgCd