William Elbert Kellum

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Ann L. Kellum, son, William Phillip “Pete” Kellum, and brother, Leon J. “Buddy” Kellum.

He is survived by his nephews, David Kellum, Ronald Kellum, and Joseph Kelly and niece, Camie Kelly.

Bill served our country in the Pacific theater during WWII as a US Marine after completing basic training in San Diego. He saw much action in the Pacific, notably from aboard the USS Caldwell, and participated in the landing and invasion of Tarawa. He served in both the 1st and 2nd divisions of the USMC in the 7th regiment, 3rd battalion. Bill also served in Korea in 1951, was wounded in Puson, and received the purple heart. He convalesced in Japan and returned to Korea and served as an MP. After Korea, Bill was a US Embassy guard in Venezuela. Following his military career, he served as a Merchant Marine and traveled widely throughout the Middle East, Far East, and East Africa. Thankfully before Bill's death, he was able to share many, many stories of his extraordinary life with his nephew, David.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family and will now rest in peace with his beloved wife and son.

The family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to his amazing caregiver, Mary Botsay and his friend, Pierre Olivier.

Thank you for your service, sir. God speed.

An inurnment will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Rex Dr. Harahan, LA.