John T. Kelly

John T. Kelly, 84, of Springfield, died at 5:55 a.m. Sunday, February 13, 2005 at Lynncrest Manor in Auburn. John, a lifelong resident of Springfield, was born on October 24, 1920 in St. Louis, MO, the son of James and Mary Berry Kelly. He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School. He was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran receiving the American Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He married Mary Agnes Wise on December 31, 1953 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield; she preceded him in death on July 25, 1987. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where he served as an usher, VFW Post 755, American Legion Post 32 and National Rifle Association. He also was a school crossing guard and served as a pallbearer in the Springfield community for many years. John also loved music, especially big band music, and Glenn Miller who he saw in person while serving in WWII. He had been employed in the grocery business in Springfield at Kelly Brothers and The Big Four grocery stores. He was then employed at Fiat Allis for twenty-two years, retiring in 1982. John was also preceded in death by his parents; six brothers: Arthur, Jay, Robert, Vincent, Jerome and Walter Kelly and one sister: Harriet Kelly. He is survived by two sons: John Stephen (wife, Kathie) Kelly of Phoenix, AZ, Patrick Joseph Kelly of Divernon; two daughters: Maureen Kelly of Athens, Diane Marie Kelly of Divernon; one sister: Edna Freeman of Springfield; one brother: George Kelly of Chatham and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2005 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, Springfield with Rev. Peter C. Harman celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Lynncrest Manor of Auburn, 304 Maple, Auburn, IL 62615. The family of John T. Kelly is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.