He was born at home in Delaware, OH on May 3, 1934. Preceding him in death are his parents Forrest and Marie, sister Kathryn and three brothers Kenneth (Eleanor), Keith (Mary Kay) Kermit, nephews Mark Sheets and K. Sheets.
He is survived by his 3 sons, Brad (Phyllis) granddaughter Brooke, grandson Austin (Mallory) great granddaughters Rylie and Blake; son Brett (Yvette) granddaughter Hannah, grandson Tyler; son Bryan, granddaughter Kennedy, many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother Kris (Barbara) Sheets.
Growing up the Great Depression helped to make family as important as work for Kelly. He moved up from a 10 speed bicycle to a Whizzer motorbike at 14. Now he could get back and forth to downtown “Rips” drive-in diner quickly, working only for tips.
After joining the Army at the age of 17, Kelly went on to serve in the Korean War. He spent his 18th birthday on the front line and received a Bronze Star. After his Army commitment in 1954, he returned to Delaware OH. Meeting our mom on a blind date he married Suzanne in 1956, the same year he bought a new Corvette with the dual four-barrel Carter carburetors!
Coming home from an ice fishing trip with his brother Keith, he found Suzanne sick in bed with pneumonia. The doctor urged him to get her to a dryer climate out West. Previously moving Suzanne’s parents to Tucson also for health reasons, the Arizona seed had been planted. In 1959, ahead of his wife, Kelly drove his Corvette with dog Snookie to Phoenix to obtain a job and housing. Suzanne soon followed riding with Kelly’s sister Kathryn and her children Tim and Tami in her new English Ford. His parents, later known to all of us as Granny and Grandad also came to Arizona bringing 12 year old Kris with them.
Kelly ran a successful service station business with the Union Oil Company for 35 years on the corner of 7th St. and Indian School Road. He was an active and current lifetime member of the American Legion and former Commander of Post 1 Korean War veterans. He enjoyed many Veterans Day parade routes in his father’s Model T and sharing many rides with his mother, family weddings, grand and great grand kids, nieces, nephews, and especially his “best friend” brother Keith. He enjoyed a lifetime of the Arizona outdoors and taught his sons to appreciate fishing, hunting and camping.
Raising their families on Clarendon Ave, the close knit neighbors became just like family. Several holidays were claimed as a reason to gather. Starting with America’s Bicentennial, then October Fest, December Fest, Pig Fest and the list goes on. Kelly, Jack, Howard and Eddie are gathered again!
After retirement, he enjoyed his cabin at Munds Park. Many nights were spent with his three sons and their families. By his wishes, a private internment will be held near his parents and sister’s final resting place. In lieu of flowers please consider the Disabled American Veterans www.DAV.org or the Phoenix Children’s hospital www.phoenixchildrens.org in Kelly’s name.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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