Terrance W. Kelly

Terrance W. Kelly, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Terrance was born October 13, 1936. Terry Kelly grew up in Lexington, Missouri and is preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Whitley (Rogers-Kelly); his father, Marion Francis Kelly; stepfather, Bill Whitley and sisters Beverly Gray, Patsy Miller and Sue Boehm.

Terry joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from Lexington High School and spent time on the USS Wiseman DE 667 as a Gunner’s Mate GM3 1956 crew. After leaving the Navy, Terry began his career as a skilled craftsman. He worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors for 32 years before retiring in 2008.

Terry never met a stranger and was famous for striking up a conversation with anyone. He had a passion for the Kansas City Chiefs, was a master at Sudoku, a connoisseur of trivia and riddles, appreciated a good work out conquering 150 push-ups per day, delighted in guitar picking and listening to Bluegrass. Terry was generous and always kept spare quarters in his pockets to divvy out to the grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his wife Gloria Kelly, his six children: Annette Smith (Jim), Patricia Shipley (Dennis), Jennifer Kelly, Kristen Nordike (Mark), Terry Kelly, Tara O’Connell (Ian); and grandchildren: Kyler Smith, Kelly Smith, Kathryn Peak, Shelby Johnson-Ostrander, Jake Kelly, Austin Nordike, Megan Nordike, Jarrett Nordike, Audrey Kelly, Aniston Kelly, Gavin O’Connell and Jett O’Connell; and great granddaughter Eliza Smith.

A visitation for Terrance will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 11am to 12pm at St. Jude's Catholic Church, 2001 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 64075 with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 12pm. Committal service following the mass at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, 25203 E. US HWY 50, Lee's Summit, MO 64086.