Kenneth Dale Kelley, Jr.

Kenneth “Dale” Kelley, Jr., one of eleven children born to the union of the late Kenneth Dale Kelley, Sr. and Violet Lorraine (Ray) Kelley, was born March 6, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young boy, Dale and his family moved to the Newburg area where he attended elementary school. They later moved to the Waynesville / Crocker area where he finished up his schooling. In 1959, Dale entered the United States Navy and served his country as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. He served until 1963 when he was honorably discharged. For three of those years, Dale was stationed on the air craft carrier the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. On April 1, 1961, Dale was united in marriage to the love of his life Ruth Lucille Lowery. They shared over 50 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Jack and Tammy. After leaving the military, Dale began selling cars at M & S Motors in St. Robert. After a few years, he then became a real estate agent with Holiday International. Dale left the agency and began selling mobile homes for G & S, Villa and Clayton. In his spare time, Dale loved fast cars and was an avid fan of NASCAR racing. He even drove some race cars in the 1960’s and worked in the pitts with Mike Wallace for 5 years. He also loved old cars and trucks, riding his motorcycle, playing and singing music and spending time on his computer. First and foremost he loved his family and enjoyed every time he could spend with them. Dale made a profession of faith and attended the New Beginnings Revival Center of Waynesville. He was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club. He also was a part of an online racing league and had the nickname Lowgear. Dale passed away at 10:46 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2011 in the St. John’s Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 68 years, 5 months and 2 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Dale leaves to cherish his memory his wife Lucille Kelley of the home; two children: Jack D. Kelley (Michelle) of Richland, MO and Tammy Rice (Rob) of Waynesville, MO; four brothers: Rick Kelley and Charlie Kelley, both of Florissant, MO, Jimmie Kelley of St. Robert, MO, and Tony Kelley of the state of Illinois; four sisters: Sandy Ridings of Roundup, MT, Phyllis Smith of Roby, MO, Christina Banning of Waynesville, MO and Linda Whitting of Broken Arrow, OK; two grandchildren: Ryan and his wife Kari and Megan and her husband Jesse; one great grandchild: Ryder; four step great grandchildren: Kinzlie, Reagan, Ethan and Mckenna; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by two sisters: Jerry Lynn Kelley and Brenda Medley. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2011 in the New Beginnings Revival Center of Waynesville with Pastor Dan Biggs and Sir Avington officiating. Soloist Lynetta Powell sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” and the song “How Great Thou Art” performed by Elvis was played. Serving as escorts were David Hayes, Cesar Salias, Jace Hale, Gary Conard, Jake Hale and Andre Johnson. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Ft. Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Navy of Ft. Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dale Kelley to the American Kidney Foundation and may be left at the funeral home.

Kenneth Dale Kelley, Jr.

March 6, 1943 - August 8, 2011