Wilford A. “W.A.” Kelly, age 84, of Monett, Mo., passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, in Freeman Neosho Hospital, Neosho, Mo.
He was born Dec. 3, 1924, in Fairview, Mo., the son of Vernon Morris and Pearl (Duncan) Kelly.
On Aug. 22, 1948, in Carthage, Mo., he was united in marriage to Neva Jean Mevey, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Jim Kelly and his wife, Charree of Wheaton, Mo.; two daughters, Jan Bremer and her husband, Bob and Karen Merritt and her husband, Larry, all of Monett; four grandchildren, Brittany Bremer, Michael Merritt, Kason Kelly and his wife, Nina and Kinsey Kelly; one great-granddaughter, Mallory Kelly; one sister, Helen Holliday of Carthage, Mo., and two sisters-in-law, Carolene Kelly of Carthage, and Ann Kelly of Duenweg, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Morris, Kervyn and Bill.
Wilford, who was also known by his family and friends as W.A., grew up and received his education at Fairview. He was a cattle and crop farmer his entire life. During World War II and the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy. Wilford was a member of Wheaton Southern Baptist Church, where he was a deacon. He was also a member of the Monett Senior Center.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2009, in Wheaton Southern Baptist Church, under direction of McQueen Funeral Home, Wheaton. Pastor Paul Wahlert will conduct the services. Burial will be in Rocky Comfort Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in McQueen Funeral Home, Wheaton.
Contributions may be made to Wheaton Southern Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Wilford.
Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.
