Ronald Ford Kelley, 81, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 21st, 10:00 a.m., at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, April 20th, at McGilley State Line Chapel, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., with a Boy Scout Tribe of Mic-O-Say ceremony at 6:00 pm followed by a short prayer service.
Ron was born September 25, 1936, in Kansas City, MO, to Vincent and Zora Kelley. He grew up in the local area, graduating from Southeast High School in 1955 and William Jewel College in 1960. Throughout his high school and college years, he excelled in sports, lettering in football, track, and wrestling despite a congenital disability. His only athletic setback was his loss in the tryout match for the 1960 U.S. Olympic wrestling team. In his professional career, he held many positions, but he was proudest of being President of SEIU Local 96 representing the employees of Truman Medical Center. Ron married Josephine Storkel in 1967 and raised a family with her. He volunteered his time as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 30 and Trailblazer Youth Development. In his retired years, he served in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary as a Flotilla Commander and a Division Commander.
Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, and his sister, Nancy Kelley. He is survived by his son, John (Amy) Kelley; his brother, Gary (Pamela) Kelley; and two grandchildren, William and Elizabeth Kelley.
Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. In lieu of flowers, Ron wished for donations to be made to Trailblazer Youth Development.
