Kelly A. Grant Jr.

He was born in Springfield on May 29, 1929, the son of Kelly A. Sr. and Gracie (Clark) Grant. Kelly married Karen McQuinn.

Kelly graduated from Springfield High School as valedictorian and later earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Northwestern University in 1953, while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his graduation, he became president of Mel-O-Cream, while working with his father, and took over in 1953. In his spare time, Kelly enjoyed woodworking projects, traveling with Karen, reading a good book, and cooking and baking. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Springfield South for several decades.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kelly W. Grant; brothers, Gerald “Pete”, Franklin, and Norman Grant; and sister, Glenda Warren.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Kemalie (Gerald) Winter and Kristine Grant, both of Freeport, and Lisa Rinnus of Springfield; 7 grandchildren; sister, Dorlis Pearce of Pontiac; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, with Pastor Terry Davis officiating.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.