Thomas Ralph Kelly (1929-2015)

KELLY, LECHNER, BROCK, MOORE, CARTER, PETERS, BIRDSALL, HILLS, HOGG, PITCHER

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 2/10/2015 at 20:52:19

From Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care obituary, Ames, Story County, Iowa:

Thomas R. Kelly age 85, of Ames, Iowa passed away Friday, January 30, 2015 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way with a 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb 6, Mass of Christian Burial at St. Cecelia Catholic Church and burial at Ames Municipal Cemetery with a reception to follow at The Elks Club in Ames.

Thomas Ralph Kelly was born August 26, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. His family moved to Ames when he was 15 years old. After graduation from Ames High School in 1948, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a submariner. After completing his military service, he returned to his home in Ames and attended Iowa State University where he majored in landscape architecture. He began working at Ames Lab in the graphics communication division and later became director of the division. During his tenure at Ames Lab he was also very active member of the IPMA (Inplant Management Association). He retired from Ames Lab in 1987.

Shortly after retirement, Tom taught the history of graphics and communication at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny, Iowa. Later he was employed by the Ames Community Schools and worked in the grounds management division for 11 years - a job he truly enjoyed.

Tom was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, American Legion, and a 60-year member of the Iowa Elks Association where he served as Exalted Ruler, State President, and Grand Lecturing Knight.

Tom married Jody Lechner in 1951 and later married Betty Brock Lechner in 1969. Betty passed away June 28, 2000, and he married Karla Moore on August 31, 2001.

Tom is survived by his wife Karla; 4 daughters - Kathy (Steve) Carter of Ames, Kim(Jesse) Peters of Marco Island, Florida, DeDee(Gary) Birdsall of Slater, and Kris (Tom) Hills of Leonard Town, Maryland; one son, Brock Kelly of Sebastopol, California; 4 step children - Candace Lechner (Steve) Hogg of Paulsbo, Washington; Doug (Leslie) Lechner of Santa Clarita, CA; Jeremy Moore of Des Moines, and Jon (Heather) Moore of Bailey, CO; sister, Anita (Vern) Pitcher of Lisbon, IA; 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Yula Kelly, brother Jim Kelly, and wife Betty.
Please direct memorials to the Israel Family Hospice House.

http://www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com/
 

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