Robert Edward Kelly

He was born in Dallas, Texas, March 8, 1926, to Charles Clinton and Effie Mae (Jean) Kelly. Robert graduated from Crozier Technical Highschool in Dallas following his military service. He then attended SMU and eventually graduated from St. Mary’s University with a BBA in June 1959.

As a teenager he became involved with the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas and Boy Scouts. As his dad was a professional musician, he also picked up a trumpet to try and keep up with his dad and brother Richard. He was a little disappointed when he got to high school band, he did not make first band. The director took his trumpet away and gave him a bass horn to play. He would admit he was not as good as Richard, but he was loud. Richard would let him play with his band from time to time, if he could not find anyone else.

He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1943 and served during World War II as a B-17 radio operator in the 13th Air Force until 1946. Following World War II, he started his 40-plus year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone company as he completed his education. He was called back to serve in the United States Air Force in 1950 for the Korean War where he was stationed at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, providing training in radio and communications operations. Using his skills from the phone company he was assigned to install a complete telephone system for East Kelly Airforce Base. On his return to civilian life in 1951 he completed high school and college while working for the phone company. He became the local union shop foreman. By 1955, he was promoted to management. His boss, who had been an officer on General Patton’s staff, came in and told him that now that he was management, he would also have to vote Republican, so he changed parties. Over the next 20 years he received several promotions ending up finally back in Dallas as the Network Engineer for the North Texas Region. He retired in 1991.

He served as a member of the Selective Service System Board for 20 years. He was the Board Chairman for several years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 53, Telecom Pioneers, and AT&T Pioneers. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Richardson, Texas.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Carol Ann Kraemer Kelly. 7 children: Robert Jr. and Linda Kelly, Kimm and Wendell Wright, David Kelly, and Patrick and Beth Kelly whose mother was Betty Jean Bevill; Kris and Melissa Kelly, Rev. Kraig and May Kelly, and Charles Kelly. 15 grandchildren: Dr. Colleen and Dr. Lucas Heartsill, Susan and Brian McConn; Dr. Adam and Candice Wright, Blake and Dr. Jacqueline Wright, Casey and Tierney Wright, Kelly and Shannen Smith; Julia Kelly; Kolby, Kevin, Kyle, and Katie Kelly; Kassidy, Jack, and Emily Kelly; and Bryce Kelly. He also has 12 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Caroline, and Alexandra Heartsill; Camille, Thomas, and Logan McConn; Abigail and Kate Wright; Olivia, Brady, and Lauren Wright; and Ryder Smith.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Charles Clinton and Jean Kelly, and his brothers Charles Edwin and Richard Clinton Kelly.

The family rejoices in his long life on earth, amazing experiences, and fabulous career at SBC/AT&T that spanned more than 40 years. His burial will be at the National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Please consider making a donation to Dallas Baptist University in lieu of flowers.