George Kellison

(From Parker Mortuary)

George Kellison, age 57, Ankeny, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at his home in Ankeny after an illness.

George was born September 4, 1961 in Carthage to Laura Maxine Gillmore Kellison and the late Ronald Elwood Kellison.

George was a veteran of the United States Army and spent 17 years as an NCO. This included the Presidential Honor Guard and the 3rd US Infantry, nicknamed 'The Old Guard'. He served in the first Gulf War and served in several Iraq operations; Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

George began his service to the Civil Air Patrol in Joplin, Mo in 2003 and later moved to Grove, Oklahoma and transferred to the Grove Composite Squadron in 2006. He held duty positions in communications, supply, maintenance, administration, personnel, transportation and served as the deputy commander for cadets.

In 2016, George and his wife moved to Ankeny, Iowa. He attended a meeting of the Des Moines Composite Squadron and was named squadron commander. Under his leadership, the squadron became the largest, fastest growing and most active squadron in the Iowa Wing.

During his time with the Civil Air Patrol, George had an impact on thousands of Civil Air Patrol members. He was awarded the 2017 Senior of the Year Award, along with numerous other awards and citations throughout his military career. George was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He will be missed by all who knew him.

George married Peggy Consolver on November 28, 1987 in Joplin. She survives at the home.

Additional survivors include his children, Christopher Strommen and girlfriend, Jules, Columbus, Montana, Brandon Kellison, Ankeny, Iowa, Aaron Kellison and fiance, Amanda, Carl Junction, Amber Kellison, Joplin; step daughter, Tabatha Gilman, Joplin; two sisters, Annette Henderson and husband, Stan, Webb City, Nannette Powell and husband, Robert, Lee's Summit, Missouri; one brother, Raymond Kellison, Joplin; his mother, Laura Maxine Gillespie and husband, Bob, Carthage; grandchildren, Danni Rose, Mekennah, Annaliese, Raileigh, Gus, Colt; twelve nieces and nephews; and fourteen great nieces and nephews.

Services are planned for Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Keith Brumfield will officiate. Graveside services are planned for Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Pallbearers will be Mark Holthus, David Lindsey, William Brassfield and David Roberts, Glenn Wilbert and Bruce Wilbert. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. The family will also host a Celebration of Life on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Joplin Heights Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.