Randall James Kelly

Randall James Kelly passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013 surrounded by family at the Forum in Overland Park, KS. He was 91 years old. Randall (Grandy) is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Jeanne Giroux, Karen Langworthy (David), Nancy Shuss (David), and Lynn Willnauer (Gary); sons, Jim Kelly (Marilyn), Mike Kelly (Christine), and Chris Kelly (Mary); grandsons, Mark Giroux, Mike Giroux (Nicole), Pete Giroux, Jim Langworthy, Brian Kelly, Mike Kelly, Scott Kelly, Jack Shuss, Ryan Kelly, Colin Kelly, Jack Willnauer, and Randy Willnauer; granddaughters, Michelle Stephenson (John) Ann Langworthy, Bridget Kelly, Kelly White (Derek) Julie Shuss, Jill Kelly, Diana Kelly, Laura Kelly, Courtney Kelly, and Kate Willnauer; great-grandchildren, Charlie Stephenson, Will Stephenson, Braden Giroux and Lila Giroux. Randall was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor.

Randall was born August 7, 1921 in Kansas City, MO, to C.A. and Ignatia Kelly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jean Kelly. Randall married Betty on April 26, 1947 in Kansas City, MO. They enjoyed 66 wonderful years together residing in the Kansas City area. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Air Corps as a meteorologist in the Aleutian Islands. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Rockhurst College and a Master of Science in Meteorology from the University of Chicago. With his father, Randall was actively involved in the general construction business in the Kansas City area in Kelly Construction Company. Randall lived an exceptionally full life mentoring his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on how to enjoy life. He enjoyed traveling the world with Betty during his retirement years. He was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting whatever was in season but especially enjoying fishing at his beloved Similar Island. His great love was taking family members and friends to “Similar” to spend quality time together fishing and partaking of the beautiful solitude of the Canadian wilderness.

A Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m., followed by the visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Monday, April 22nd, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 23rd, 10:00 a.m., at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Lilabean Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research (lilabeanfoundation.com), Rockhurst High School or to Cure of Ars Catholic Church.