90, passed away on Wednesday, May 15th, at his home in St. Louis, Missouri.
He leaves his wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann Kelly (Finn): his daughter Karolyn (Regan) and her husband John (Plano, TX): his daughter Kay Kelly: his grandchildren Kelly Regan and Shawn Regan (Plano, TX).
Born and raised in St. Louis, the son of Grace and Ben Kelly. Siblings preceded in death: Ruth Kelly (Stock): Bernard Kelly: Grace Kelly: Robert Kelly: Virginia Kelly.
In his youth he grew up in Dog Town and attended St. James parish. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and going to his family’s club houses, playing baseball, wrestling, ball room dancing and hanging out with friends.
After attending Southwest High School, he enlisted with the army and was a Corporal in the Korean War. Mr. Kelly is honored at Dogtown Veterans’ Memorial Park. Following the war, William (Bill) was a supervisor at the International Shoe Company and then joined Laclede Gas Company where he worked in the Service and Installation Department and ultimately became a pipefitter. Bill was a member of the Pipefitters Union Local #562 until his retirement in 1990.
During his retirement, Bill enjoyed woodworking and teaching woodworking at Nottingham School. A few of the items he constructed were children’s play furniture, bowls, hope chests, bread boards.
He enjoyed travelling to Texas to see his grandchildren. Some of his other passions were family, church, fishing with his grandchildren, and Irish celebrations. Bill never failed to attend a St. Patrick’s Day celebration which contributed to his luck because he met Patricia on St. Patrick’s Day in 1958.
Services:
Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m. to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church for 11:30 a.m. Mass.
Interment at J.B. National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Heart Association or Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition appreciated. Visitation Sunday, 4-8 p.m.