Obituary for Donald Lee Kelley
CSM (retired) Donald L. Kelley (79) Springfield, Missouri, passed away on the afternoon of March 31, 2021 in his home.
He was born March 24, 1942 at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri to Sam and Edna (Melton)Kelley. He graduated from Ash Grove High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Betty Green, on December 31, 1964. To this union Deanna Lynn and Anthony Charles were born. He attended many helicopter maintenance schools during his 42 years working full time for the Missouri Army National Guard 1107th AVCRAD. One of those schools was the United States Sergeants Major Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas, where he graduated with honors. He very much enjoyed being able to serve his country. He was a man who loved and was loved very much by his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Edna Kelley, a brother and sister-in-law, Sam Jr. and Phyllis Kelley.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Betty (Green) Kelley; his daughter Dee (Kelley) Gabriella and husband Tony Gabriella; his son Tony Kelley; 2 grandsons Jeff Casey, Sean Casey and wife Chelsea (Rose) Casey; his brother Clifford Kelley; his sister Vera (Kelley) Trogdon.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri.
A Memorial Service will follow the visitation at 12:30 p.m. in the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Chapel with “Buckshot” officiating.
Due to cemetery restrictions of only 10 family members at the Graveside Services in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, this portion of Donald’s service will be private. The family thanks you for your understanding.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
He was born March 24, 1942 at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri to Sam and Edna (Melton)Kelley. He graduated from Ash Grove High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Betty Green, on December 31, 1964. To this union Deanna Lynn and Anthony Charles were born. He attended many helicopter maintenance schools during his 42 years working full time for the Missouri Army National Guard 1107th AVCRAD. One of those schools was the United States Sergeants Major Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas, where he graduated with honors. He very much enjoyed being able to serve his country. He was a man who loved and was loved very much by his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Edna Kelley, a brother and sister-in-law, Sam Jr. and Phyllis Kelley.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Betty (Green) Kelley; his daughter Dee (Kelley) Gabriella and husband Tony Gabriella; his son Tony Kelley; 2 grandsons Jeff Casey, Sean Casey and wife Chelsea (Rose) Casey; his brother Clifford Kelley; his sister Vera (Kelley) Trogdon.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri.
A Memorial Service will follow the visitation at 12:30 p.m. in the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Chapel with “Buckshot” officiating.
Due to cemetery restrictions of only 10 family members at the Graveside Services in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, this portion of Donald’s service will be private. The family thanks you for your understanding.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.