Clifton C. Kelley

CLIFTON C. KELLEY, JR. Clifton C. Kelley, Jr., of the Clearwater Cove area of Lake Pomme de Terre, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010 in St. John s Regional Health Center, Springfield, MO. Clifton was born December 31, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Clifton, Sr. and Ella (Seymour) Kelley. In 1929 the family moved to Coffeyville, KS where Clifton attended schools, graduating in 1944 from Field Kindley High School where he had been active in dramatics and student government. He enlisted in the Navy Reserve while a senior in high school, was called to active duty upon graduation and was invited to participate in the Navy V-12 Officer Training Program. He received a Reserve Commission later through Naval ROTC. Clifton attended Kansas University from 1946 to 1950, being granted degrees in business and mathematics, with minors in accounting and personnel management. While at K. U. he operated a rooming house for fellow students, being assisted mightily in that enterprise by his wife upon their marriage. Clifton worked in an executive position for several companies in the Kansas City area, retiring in 1986 as president of Leiters Designer Fabrics, moving then to what had been a weekend retreat in the Clearwater Cove development on Lake Pomme de Terre, MO. Earlier in his adult life, Clifton enjoyed boating, fishing, bowling and playing bridge. He managed youth baseball teams for several years, taught church school to 5th and 6th graders for over two decades and served a term as chairman of the Christian Education Department of Overland Park Christian Church where he also served as deacon and elder. Clifton enjoyed genealogy research and keeping in touch with family former classmates and friends. He was a prolific e-mailer and letter writer. He helped in the planning of his high school class reunions, acting as program chairman of several. Laura Beth Barcus and Clifton were married August 22, 1948. She survives at the home. Other survivors include son, Steve, Overland Park, KS, son, Stan and wife, Elaine, Olathe, KS, daughter, Sue White and husband, Danny, Roach, MO, brother, Dean, and nephew, Rod, Topeka, KS, grandson, Jerod Kelley and wife, Kristin, Iola, KS, and great-granddaughter, Brienna, Iola, KS. Cremation was under the direction of Murray Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, July 8, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. The family would be pleased to receive cards/letters from those who were acquainted with Clifton. PDF Printable Version

Clifton C. Kelley

December 31, 1926 - July 4, 2010