Louis Edward Kelsey

Louis Edward Kelsey, 70, of Liberty, Missouri, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015, from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Louis was born August 15, 1944, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Martin and Mabel Kelsey. He attended Jefferson City High School and graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in accounting. In 1963 he met and fell in love with Marilyn Ruettgers of Loose Creek, Mo., before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. After being stationed in Minot, North Dakota, Louis mailed an engagement ring to Marilyn. She said yes and joined him in Minot, where he spent most of his enlistment. Louis married Marilyn on May 16, 1970. Later, Louis went to work as an accountant in the Jefferson City area before relocating with Marilyn to the Kansas City area and finally settling in Liberty, where they have lived for 35 years. In 1972 he started his career with the Metropolitan Community Colleges. During a 31-year career, he worked at every campus in the MCC system, most recently at Longview Community College as superintendent of buildings and grounds. Louis and Marilyn also ran a bookkeeping and tax service out of their home. Louis retired from Longview in 2003. During his life Louis loved to spend time with his children Marty and Matt, and in recent years his grandchildren. Louis and Marilyn also traveled the country, visiting almost all of the continental U.S. States. Louis is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marilyn, of Liberty; his son, Martin Kelsey, wife Sarah, and their children, Louis’ beloved grandchildren, Bryce Logan and Sadie May, all of Liberty; and his son, Matthew Kelsey, and wife Jamie of Kansas City, Kansas. He is also survived by his niece and close friend Lori Crooks, and countless other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Betty Mahanes, brother-in-law Paul Mahanes, nephew Mike Mahanes, and his best friend Ralph Lynch. Visitation will be 5:30 – 8:00 P.M., Friday, February 6 at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin St., Liberty, MO. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 7 at St. James Catholic Church, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Liberty, MO. Memorial donations may be made in Louis’ memory to St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, Mo., and the Alzheimer’s Association.