Richard Lee Kelley

He is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Donna; their two children, Kristin (Paul) Morris, Scott (Melissa) Kelley; five grandchildren, Olivia, Levi, Emmett, Vienna Morris and Myles Kelley; brother Don (Gail) Kelley; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends. He also had an older brother Jim who preceded him in death in 2006

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“Doc” was a veteran of the Vietnam War and proud of his service to his country. He grew up in Webster Groves and was the third of four children. He came with a natural off-beat sense of humor, and as a child, he acquired the love of cars. His fascination with cars never waned. He collected anything related to the automobile from models, to books, posters, and the many parts of autos that he “artistically” integrated in his garage. If it was a poster, it honked, revved up, lit up, played music, or resembled a car it was in his garage. Those who visited him were amazed with his collected memorabilia where he spent many hours tinkering, building, and inventing things. His fascination with autos included his innate ability to easily diagnose, fix, and repair them. When very young he even transformed a neighbor’s log pile, so it resembled a car where he spent hours pretending to drive it.

He was famous for his sense of humor. Those who grew up with him were blessed with the quirky way that he looked at life. When he was just six years old he took a squirt gun to Sunday school. The only way his Sunday school teacher could get it from him was to make her promise she would not shoot him with it. The humor he saw in life was sometimes embarrassing but always entertaining.

From early on he saw the importance of “family”. He lived for his family and would do anything for his wife Donna and his two children. He often shared, with friends and family, how incredibly proud he was of Donna’s accomplishments as well as Scott and Kristin’s.

Upon his return from Vietnam his sense of humor was still there but for those of us who grew up with him, knew there was a change. His three tours of duty left a lasting imprint on his remaining life. He was a mess sergeant while in Vietnam but he wanted to do more to help, so he volunteered to work medivac on helicopters going on missions to save the wounded. This is where he earned his lasting nickname “Doc”.

His upbringing led him to believe he could do anything. He once drove the entire distance of the Baha Peninsula just because he could. He completed an evasive driving course designed for professional security drivers, executive chauffeurs, and protection specialists, just because he wanted to. He would occasionally show off his skills with a tactical 180 hand brake maneuver which surprised and unnerved the unsuspecting passenger to his delight. He holds several patents for inventions to practical things such as the original patio umbrella light, a car CV replacement boot and safety straps for car garage ramps. There was nothing he wouldn’t attempt and he couldn’t do.

He owned and operated an asphalt paving company, an auto detailing company, an auto leasing company as well as being a sales manager for a large dealership where he was consistently salesman of the month and year.

While his sense of humor was legendary his heart was even larger. He would stop at nothing for family and friends. If you were family or friend you knew he had your back. For his friends and family he continued to bring smiles and internal laughter with the many memories of his accomplishments, humor, and most of all those things large and small that he did for them. All from his heart.

In lieu of flowers Doc would appreciate any type of donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Memorial visitation: Gerber Chapel, 23 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119; Tuesday October 13, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Please feel free to dress as you like.

Inurnment with full military honors, 10:00 AM,Thursday, October, 15, at National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, 2900 Sheridan Rd. (please arrive no later than 9:45am. Meet in parking lot behind administration building).

Arrangements under the direction of Gerber Chapel, 23 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119. 314 968-2000.