SFC (Ret) Steven Patrick Kelley

On April 28, 1951, Steven Patrick Kelley was born in Hoopeston, Illinois. Son of the late Clarence Leland Kelley and Bessie K. (Green) Kelley, Steve, as he was known by his family and friends, grew up in Hoopeston and at an early age learned the value of hard work. At the age of nine, he began working on a farm with Paul Mcreay. He worked nights and weekends while going to school and full-time during the summers. In March 1971, Steve was drafted into the United States Army. He was 19 years of age when he began his military career. He served at several duty stations including: Fort Lewis, WA (basic training), Fort Leonard Wood, MO (A.I.T.), Fort Knox, KY (Heavy Equipment Maintenance), Okinawa, Japan (A.T.F.), Fort Sill, OK (Heavy Equipment Maintenance), Fairbanks, AK (Company Clerk), Fort McClellan, AL (Motor Sergeant), Huntington, WV (Reserve Instructor), Ansbach, Germany (1st Armored Division Maite), and Fort Leonard Wood was his last duty station in May 1993. Steve had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Mechanic Badge “W”, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle. After retiring from the military after 22 years of service, Steve began working at Paul’s Furniture in St. Robert, Missouri where he spent several years before becoming an employee at Wal-Mart where he spent 17 years as a T.L.E. Manager. Steve’s biggest and proudest accomplishments were his four children: Shawn, Genny, Tracy and Tina. He loved them dearly and treasured the times that they could spend together. On August 28, 2010, in Dent County, Missouri, Steve was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Conaway. They shared over 14 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. In his spare time, Steve enjoyed hunting and loved to fish with his brother-in-law, Dennis Conaway at Lake of the Ozarks and also enjoyed pontoon boating on the lake with his grandchildren. He enjoyed being outdoors riding his side-by-side, loved celebrating the 4th of July and family get-togethers. Steve liked going to the casinos and also just going to the local café, Westside Café, drinking coffee and shooting the bull with the other regular morning coffee crew. In May 1980, Steve made a profession of faith and was baptized at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Because of that decision, he entered his heavenly home on Friday, November 15, 2024 at the age of 73 years. Steve will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Sharon Kelley of the home; four children: Shawn Kelley of Waynesboro, VA, Genny Kelley (Oscar) of Kansas City, MO, Tracy Piatchek (Joseph) of Springfield, MO, and MAJ Tina Mask (Tony) of Ft. Carson, CO; step-son: Larry Jackson (Tammy) of Salem, MO; step-daughter: Linda Burgess (Johnny) of Waynesville, MO; ten grandchildren: Camdon Mask (Corinne) of F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY, Cody Mask of Colorado, Helen Piatchek of Springfield, MO, John Steven Piatchek of Springfield, MO, Matthew Jackson, Bradley Jackson, and Brooke Jackson, all of St. Louis, MO, Cody Burgess (Lyndsey) of Waynesville, MO, and Montana Burgess and Morgan Burgess, both of Waynesville, MO; one great granddaughter: Ember Lou Burgess; three sisters: Sallie Goodwin of Phoenix, AZ, Darlene Davis (Carey) of Norfolk, VA, and Vickie Kelley of Waynesville, MO; sister-in-law: Karen Kelley of the state of Alabama; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by eight sisters: June Baird, Lorraine McBeath, Wanda Thompson, Glela Dalrymple, Cheri Kelley, Edna (Peg) Clem, Karen Meador, and infant Connie Kelley; five brothers: Jim Kelley, Tom Kelley, Ralph Kelley, Russell Kelley, and Danny Kelley. Even though he is gone from our sight, Steve’s love for his family and commitment to his country will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Richard Breeden officiating. The songs "Lead Me Home" by Jamey Johnson, "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You" by Alan Jackson and "Precious Memories" by Alan Jackson were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Steven Kelley and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) Steven Patrick Kelley

April 28, 1951 - November 15, 2024