Scott Kenneth Kell, Jr., died Sept. 2, 2024, at age 96.
Scott was born Jan. 11, 1928, in Lake Worth, FL, to Scott K. Kell, Sr., and Frances Aborn Kell. He grew up between Centralia, IL, and Ocean City, NJ, with the support from his loving aunts and uncles.
Scott was the beloved father of Mark (Cindie) Kell, David (Claudia) Kell, Elizabeth (Paul) Schupanitz and Ellen (Dan) Sprick. He taught them the value of hard work and education, as well as how to swim and golf.
He was the loving granddad of 12: Chris (Meghan) Kell, Erin (David) Glarner, Emily Kell, Ashley (Gene) Frederic, James (Ally) Kell; Jonathan (Adriann) Kell, Rebecca (Ben) Crawmer, Jason (Neema) Kell; Andy (Amanda) Schupanitz, Sarah Schupanitz; David Sprick (Emily Kaiser) and William Sprick. He was the proud great-granddad of 21.
Scott was married to Suzanne Brooks Kell Reeter from 1950 to 1990 and to Virginia Henshaw Kell from 1990 to 2012. They were friends to Scott in his later years and assisted in his caregiving. He was treasured by his devoted caregivers Roggie Watrous and Patricia Kruse who are now forever part of the Kell family. He was a cherished stepfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.
From his earliest years, Scott was driven by a deep sense of responsibility — first for his siblings, Jack and Patricia Kell, and half-brother Bobby Jo Kell. That responsibility later extended to his country, his own family, and those he represented in his law career. He strived to be the best and instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. No job was beneath him. He worked on oil tankers, in factories and as a golf caddy. He sold insurance and taught swimming at the YMCA. At one point, he held three jobs as he worked to provide for his young family. These were the lessons he learned growing up during the Great Depression, and he never forgot them.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, traversing the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans; and continued in the U.S. Navy Reserves until 1950. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and graduated from Lincoln College of Law. Scott had a burgeoning law practice devoted to the common man and a reputation as an excellent trial lawyer. He was passionate about the law and represented his clients with integrity and tenacity.
Scott’s drive made him a natural leader. He was a chief in his young sons’ Indian Guides, an Elder and Sunday School teacher at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and was active in the Christian organization, Young Life. He was willing to embrace anything, including downhill skiing in his 60s, and had a natural curiosity about everyone. He had a heart for traveling, Webster Groves, golden retrievers, golf and watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports.
Services at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road in Affton, MO, on Sept. 12, 2024, at 10:30 am. Burial with full military honors at 11:30 am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Castaway Club (Young Life Camp), 51709 County Hwy 31, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Our condolences to your family.
Joanna and Gary
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Bethesda Orchard Residents’ Association, our condolences on the loss of your loved one. He will be missed here at The Orchard.