Lamar Kelley

A lifelong resident of Baytown, Lamar graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1945, attended the University of Texas and graduated from the University of Houston. He retired from Diamond shamrock in 1982 after 31 years of service. After retirement, he worked as the Associate Director of the Center for Applied Sciences at the University of Houston.

Lamar worked tirelessly as a servant of his community and his faith. He was a member of the Baytown City Council from 1967-1971 and served on numerous city and school district committees. Lamar was the recipient of the Baytown Outstanding Service Award and a two-time recipient of the Texas Association of Business Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served as a member and president of the Baytown Historical Society, working to preserve the past of the city he loved.

Lamar was also very active in his faith community. He served as a lay leader and Chairman of the Board of St. John’s Methodist Church for more than 20 years. At Grace United Methodist Church he was a certified lay speaker, Chairman of the Board and served on various other committees for more than 20 years. He was also Chairman of Evangelism for the Bay Area Methodist Churches.

Lamar is preceded in death by his sister, Sally Evans, and brother, Joe Kelley. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria Konecny Kelley, daughters Kerry Kelley and Jan Allison, and son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Kaylah Kelley. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Trey Nelson, Travis Nelson and wife Meredith, Katherine and Paul Allison, Chase and Erica Kelley and Somerton Zbranek, and great-grandson Connor Nelson. Lamar is also survived by his brothers, Bill Kelley and wife Marilyn and Pete Kelley and wife Kate.

The family wishes to extend their profound thanks to the loving staff of St. James Nursing Home and the pastors of Grace United Methodist Church for their constant prayers and Support.

A celebration of Lamar’s life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 304 N. Pruett, Baytown, Texas. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.