William “Bill” Wesley Kelley Sr.
Bill Kelley, our Dad, Grandpa, brother, and uncle, of Ironton, formerly of Centerville, entered into his eternal rest on February 2nd 2023, in Cape Girardeau MO, at the age of 81 years. He was born on October 24, 1941, in Glover, MO, to the late Horace an Alice (Reed) Kelley. Bill was united in marriage to Alma (Douglas) Kelley on August 14,1961, and they had 6 children who all survive. Bill worked for many years for Ray Johnson Incorporated in Centerville as a heavy equipment mechanic.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alma, on October 22, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Dale Kelley, Ray Kelley, Bob Kelley, and one sister, Janet Douglas.
Those left to mourn his passing are his children, Cheryl (Kevin) Russell of Belleview, Wesley Kelley of Farmington, Marcy (Jim) Smith of Ironton, Anna (Robbie) Wolff of Ellington, Larry (Danielle) Kelley of Cape Girardeau and Barbie (Doug) Evans of Farmington. Also, his grandchildren, Carrie (Tim) Nash of Belleview, Duana Russell of Belleview, Russell (Leanna) Kelley of Ellington, Steven Kelley of Park Hills, Katie Esmond of Piedmont, Emily (Michael) Petite of Ozark, Joshua Smith of Ironton, Gabe Kelley of Desloge, Silas Evans of Farmington and Zoe Rhineheart of Cape Girardeau. Great grandchildren, Sorai, William, and Deja Kelley of Cadet and Jim (Valerie) Kelley of Fredericktown and one sister, Lucy (Larry) Wadlow of Pilot Knob. He is also survived by Alma’s sisters, Delores Marsh, Ellen (Gary) Russell and Jessie (Ellis) Harr. There are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who survive and miss him dearly.
Bill held fast to his faith in Jesus and his Pentecostal faith. He never met a stranger, once you started talking about a gun, a “rig” or any kind of an engine, you had his full attention. He loved his family, loved to laugh, loved to tease his grand kids about the mileage on their cars. He could fix anything from a doll are to a dozer. Simply put, he was the best.
Services for Bill were held at Cole Family Funeral Home in Ironton on February 7, with Pastor Jon Gerling officiating.
He was laid to rest next to his wife, Alma, in Huff Cemetery in Glover MO. His family would like to thank everyone at Cole Family Funeral Home and Ironton First Church of the Nazarene for all of the love and support we have received these last few months. You went above and beyond, thank you so much.
