Ralph E. Kelley

Ralph Elwood Kelley, the son of Ralph T. Kelley and Mildred (Malcolm) Kelley, was born on November 21, 1927 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1946 where he was a member of the Aberdeen Eagles track and football team. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy following High School and served aboard the U.S.S. Achenar in China, Japan, the Philippines and Alaska. Following his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled in Northern State Teacher's College in Aberdeen. He later left college to take over the family business, Kelley Plumbing and Heating, Inc. which he ran until 1968, when he returned to college at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Ralph graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970 and accepted a job with Indian Health Service. In 1976, he accepted a transfer to the Regional Office of Facilities Engineering and Construction in Denver as a facilities engineer. He subsequently took similar positions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service where he retired in 1990.

Two of Ralph's great loves were flying and singing. He became a pilot in 1957 and later achieved his multi-engine and charter ratings. He sang with many groups including the Navy's Blue Jacket Choir, Aberdeen Elk's Chorus, three church choirs and Denver's South High Alumni Choir. He is survived by his son Brian (Linda) Kelley, daughter Colleen (Rod) Kelley, granddaughters Amber (Clinton) Woodcock, Tara Woodcock and his loving companion Saundra Plamondon.