Jerome F. Kelley

Jerome Kelley, 90, of Bolivar, MO passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017 at his home in Bolivar, MO. Jerry was born November 25, 1926 in Minneapolis, MN to Floyd and Helen Hummel Kelley. In 1944, he joined the United States Army and served in the Air Corps, later transferring to the United States Air Force. Over his long career, Jerry learned to fix anything that drove or flew. He would faithfully serve in this capacity throughout three major American wars, including World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. On March 6, 1956, Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Lou Jorgensen. Their love for each other was always on display, and they built a life that was an example to all those who knew them. Jerry lived a life that was full of love. He had a constant smile, and was always quick with a joke. Along with his gift at passing his joy along to others, he was a skilled craftsman. Jerry was particularly gifted at woodworking and loved to carve birds. More than just a hobby, Jerry’s work was on display for a long while at the Dunnegan Museum. His other hobbies included anything that would keep him outside, including hunting and fishing. Many people can recall long talks with Jerry on a boat in Lake Pomme de Terre. Jerry will be remembered as a well-respected man, an optimist, for his characteristic smile, and for being quick to ask anyone, “Are you loving Jesus?” Jerry is preceded in death by his son, Michael Kelley, as well as his brother, Eugene. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou, as well as his children, Colleen Roberts of Preston, MO, Bruce Kelley and wife Carrie of Bolivar, MO, Kristie Crump and husband John of Gillette, WY, Kathy Crowe and husband Bill of Barneveld, WI, Karen Blankenship and husband Dennis, of Sacramento, CA, and Brian Kelley and wife Karen of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as his sister, Mygreta Sundeen and husband Bill of Anoka, MN. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Jerome Kelley will be held Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:30 AM Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO. Visitation will be held Thursday, May, 18 from 5-7 PM at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO. Graveside services will be held Friday, May 19, 2017 at Missouri Veterans' Cemetery at 1 PM under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home. Memorial Contribution can be made to the family. Billy Russell and Dennis Blankenship will be officiating. Pallbearers: Alexander Kelley, Joshua Crowe, Jessie Crump, David Blankenship, Daniel Blankenship, Isaiah Crowe, Aaron Christensen, Brooke Kelley, and Izaak Kelley.

Jerome F. Kelley

November 25, 1926 - May 14, 2017