He died Saturday, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with a rare disease known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The affliction causes rapid deterioration of the brain and is always fatal.
A 1956 graduate of Newton High School, he earned bachelors and masters degrees from Friends University, Wichita. In 1999 he retired as Executive Vice President of Logistics from Dillons Corporate after 47 years with the company. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Since 2002, Kelly owned and operated Sarah’s Catholic Bookstore. He also at one time served on the Downtown Development Board. His wife still serves on the board.
Parish Rosary with Vespers will be held Wednesday evening, 7:30, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Hutchinson. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 12, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Eckberg presiding. Burial, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard, will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum.