Paul Anthony Kelleher

Survivors include his wife, Lois; five sons, Mike of Grand Junction, Pat of Denver, Dan of Vernal, Utah, Steve of Hotchkiss and Joe of Phoenix; one daughter, Mary DuCray of Grand Junction; two sisters, Mary Nelson of Des Moines, Iowa, and Dorothy Bredar of Denver; 19 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to Golden Kiwanas, P.O. Box 1377, Grand Junction 81502; or the John McConnell Math and Science Center, 2660 Unaweep Ave., Grand Junction 81503.

Paul Anthony Kelleher

September 1, 1930 - June 24, 2015

Paul Anthony Kelleher was born in Bevington, Iowa on September 1, 1930, on his family farm and died peacefully at home with his family surrounding him June 24, 2015, in Grand Junction, Colorado at 84 years of age.

Paul was born, the youngest of seven children, to John and Helen Kelleher. When his father died at an early age, his mother determined that she would continue farming with the children. It was here that Paul learned the many life lessons and values he would live his life by and teach his children and grandchildren.

He met Lois Ann Wilson in Winterset, Iowa and they were married on September 18, 1954, in Greenfield, Iowa. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage.

Paul and his wife, Lois, moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1962, with six of their seven children; the seventh being born in Grand Junction.

Paul worked for many employers, including Central Chevrolet, Grand Junction Steel, Hanson Equipment, Steelco and The Mart Warehouse.

He later became a small business owner and operated L-P Industries, Fasteel, and Skyline Warehousing. Paul retired three times: The Mart Warehouse, Skyline Warehouse, and Skyline Contracting. After he retired, he still continued to drive a cattle truck to move cows in the spring and fall for a friend until he was 79.

Paul was active in the community with his many activities, most of which centered around his children and the children of the community. Paul could always be counted on to help his seven children with their many school activities. He helped build and design many of the exhibits at the Doo Zoo Children's Museum, and the John McConnell Math and Science Center. For many years he made toys with the Golden K Kiwanis Club to give to children who were going through stressful life situations both locally and internationally. Thousands of toys have been distributed to many local agencies and across four continents.

Paul is survived by his wife, Lois Ann of Grand Junction; sons, Mike (Dana) of Grand Junction; Patrick (Tina)of Denver; Daniel (Lori)of Vernal, Utah; Steve of Hotchkiss; Joe (Laurie)of Peoria, Arizona, and daughter, Mary DuCray (Kent) of Grand Junction; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Bredar (Bill) Denver, Mary Nelson (RW) Des Moines, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Kelleher and Helen Kane Kelleher; his son, Thomas ""Tom"" Kelleher; grandson, Barry Kelleher; granddaughter, Michelle Kelleher; siblings, Margaret Kelleher, John Kelleher, Joan Mitchell, and Dennis Kelleher.

A private family grave side service will be held. A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Redlands Community Center; 2463 Broadway, Grand Junction, Colorado. The family would like to hear your stories in a casual atmosphere.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Paul Kelleher Memorial Fund, at the John McConnell Math and Science Center; 2660 Unaweep Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on July 8, 2015