Joe Kelly

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Joseph John Kelly, Sr., age 93, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Spring River Christian Village in Joplin.

Joseph was born in Pittsburg, Kansas, on November 18, 1924, to the late Patrick H. and Florence (Wiedeman) Kelly. His father died when he was only nine years old and the family moved to Joplin. Joe attended St. Peter’s grade school and he was a 1942 graduate of St. Peter’s High School, which was then the old convent. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, serving during WWII, and he was discharged in June 1946. During wartime, he served in the European Theatre and the 121st General Hospital Unit.

On February 7, 1948, he married Mary Lou Boyer and they were married for 69 years, soon to be 70 years.

Joe owned a State Farm Insurance Agency in Joplin for 43 years. He was a Member and Board Director of the National Association of State Farm Agents for 20 years. He also served as President of the South Joplin Lions Club and he was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Joplin. He loved woodworking and pheasant hunting.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, of the home; two sons, Joseph Kelly, Jr., and wife, Joan, of Palmetto, Florida, and Bob Kelly and wife, Candace, of Joplin, Missouri; three grandchildren, Alison George and husband, Chris, of Springfield, Missouri, Joseph Kelly, III, and wife, Jessie, of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Brennen Kelly of Joplin; four great-grandchildren, Blake George, Remi George, Bay Lou Kelly and Joseph Kelly, IV; his brother, Charles Kelly, and wife, Marsha, of Charlotte, North Carolina; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

A prayer service for Mr. Kelly will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2018, in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with Father J. Friedel officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.