Kenneth W. Kelly, age 70, passed away at Decatur Memorial on Sunday, March 29, 2015 with family and friends by his side after a long illness with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Born September 6, 1944 in Vandalia, IL he was son of Sammuel (Vess) and Lila (Stapp) Kelly. Ken was raised on a farm in rural Ramsey, IL and later married Doris Snyder on April 4, 1965, in Vandalia, IL. After a short time in Vandalia, they moved to the Decatur area for Ken's job with Caterpillar where they lived for 20 years and raised two daughters. Ken's later years with Cat took him and Doris to Australia for 6 years, Indonesia for 3 years and finally back to Peoria where he retired in 2005. In retirement they resided in Pana, IL close to where they grew up.
His time with Caterpillar exposed him to a wide variety of demanding jobs and diverse cultures where in nearly each and every case he became a standout for his honesty, integrity and sense of humor. Within Indonesia and throughout Australia where there has been an ongoing outpouring of concern over his prolonged illness he remains a legend for his unique style in managing product, problems and people.
He was a loving, devoted and proud husband, father and grandfather and in friendship, as in his connection with Jeff, he was literally one in a million.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Doris Elaine (Snyder) Kelly, his two daughters Cheryl Jacobs (Phil Jacobs) of Mt. Zion, IL and Christy Powell (Dion Powell) of Geneva, IL and four grandchildren Kelsey and Kyle Jacobs and Kenna and Taylor Powell; brothers Gerald (Elsie) Kelly, William (Jane) Kelly, David (Rose) Kelly and sisters Patty (Cloide) Carruthers and Susan (Lee) Johns.
He was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Lila Kelly, along with brothers Steven Kelly and James (Nancy) Kelly.
Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 P.M., Wednesday, April 1; funeral is scheduled at 11 A.M., Thursday, April 2 both will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 301 E. Main St., Ramsey, IL. Burial services at Independence Cemetery, rural Ramsey, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kenneth W. Kelly, to CurePSP 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201 Timonium, MD 21093 - See more at: http://www.psp.org/donate/#sthash.dQ0tf5Gd.dpuf or to Independence Cemetery, rural Ramsey, IL.
Obituary written by family