Harvey Kelly

Harvey Lee Kelly, age 84, of West, passed away early Monday morning, February 7, 2005 at Baylor Hospital in Grapevine. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday at 1st United Church in West, with the Rev. Gene Kotrla officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at Closner Cemetery conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 4819 of West. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Kelly was born on January 26, 1921 in Chandler, Oklahoma the son of Marshall and Savannah (Long) Kelly. He attended schools in San Angelo. On July 3, 1942 he married Betty Jo Archer in San Angelo and they were happily married for fifty years until she preceded him in death on September 9, 1992. He joined the Army Air Corp during World War II, and after serving his country for 23 years, he retired as a major from the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a petroleum officer and retired from the United States Air Force after twenty-three years of service. Harvey also was a farmer and enjoyed camping and traveling, especially the time he spent in Alaska hunting and fishing for three years. He served as Board President for the Hill Co. Electric Co-op, former President of the West Community Hospital Board, and R.O.T.C. Instructor at Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a longtime member and leader for the Boy Scouts of America, an Eagle Scout and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. He is a member of the United States Air Force Retiree Association and V.F.W. Post No. 4819 of West. Survivors include two sons, Ronald L. Kelly and wife Jan of Bedford and Scott Kelly of Waco; one daughter, Kathleen Tate and husband Gary of Keller; one brother, Jack Kelly of Glenrose; seven grandchildren, Kristy Cisneros, Sherry Ferguson, Michael Kelly, Chris Kelly, Eagle Scout Adam Lee Tate, Erin Tate, and Marijo Kelly; four great-grandchildren, Jake Kelly, Kelsi Ferguson, Alyssa Ferguson and Alexander Cisneros; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Ricky Lee Kelly, Adam Lee Tate, Chris Kelly, Mike Kelly, Jerry "Lee" Clark, Henry Moravec, Jr. and James Middlebrook. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America or volunteer your time.