Jerry Kelley

Jerry Paul Kelley, 72, of Sedalia, died Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

He was born January 5, 1941, in Sedalia, son of Chester Paul and Lorena Cecelia (Jerrill) Kelley.

Jerry was a true servant. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. For example, in his earlier years, he took care of his neighbors’ yards, often without taking pay. When Jerry was the last one at home, he took up all of the household duties. He put a lot of effort into helping his parents. In later years, he took care of his dad’s housework and had supper ready for him every night.

Jerry had an unusual sense of humor that was delightful and fun, brightening the day for others. He loved to tell jokes.

Jerry lived life to the fullest. He wasn’t dealt the best of hands, but he made the most of life anyway. As anybody who knew him knows, he had many disadvantages in life. A childhood illness caused his learning disability. He also had mirror vision. Many people didn’t give Jerry a chance because he was unique. And those many people missed the blessing of Jerry’s friendship.

Jerry was very intelligent.

He was peace-loving and devoted to those he counted as his good friends. Vince and his wife were special friends who cared generously for Jerry in recent years.

When his mother was placed in a nursing home for several years, he walked a long distance each day to visit her, no matter what the weather was or how he himself was feeling.

He was generous, kind, considerate, and especially protective of children. He loved children.

He was the one the family counted on to remember dates and events. He had an amazing memory. Holidays, family reunions, and company were important to Jerry. The telephone calls he made regularly to his sister, Colleen, will be greatly missed, as well as the calls he made on birthdays to others. He was very sociable.

He also enjoyed listening to music and singing. He especially loved Cristy Lane.

He was loved and adored by not only his family, but also friends, neighbors, and all who were fortunate to have known him. Many neighbors referred to him as “their boy.”

He was a member of the First Pentecostal Church in Sedalia, where he was baptized.

Jerry was a bright and shining light and now the space where he existed will be dimmed.

Surviving are a sister, Colleen Riggs, of Independence, MO; two brothers, John William Kelley, of Kansas City, MO, and James Cole Kelley, of Hermitage, MO; a sister-in-law, Jane Kelley; brothers-in-law, Albert Riggs and Wilbur Fletcher; 15 nieces and nephews; 14 great nieces and nephews; cousins; and close friends, June Jordan and Vincent Crook.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Bonnie Jean Kelley, Linda Cheryl Kelley and Rene Delores Fletcher; and brothers, Danny Kelley and David Clark Kelley.