Francis Keith Kelley returned to the arms of his Heavenly Father and eternal wife, Merna on July 7, 2015 in Tooele, Utah. Keith was born January 4, 1926 to Clara Belle Utley and Joseph Thomas Kelley, Sr in Murray, Utah. He joined The United States Maritime Service in 1943, serving until 1944 where he was discharged in Seattle, Washington. In October of 1944 Keith was inducted into the US Army, serving until May of 1947 when he was honorably discharged. During Keith's military service he earned the respect of many and the following awards: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Phillipine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, The CIB Badge and the World War 11 Victory Medal. Upon being discharged from the Army, he became employed at Tooele Army Depot, retiring from there in 1978. Keith married his true love, Merna Bates on June 1, 1946 and they were later sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Keith and Merna had four children, whom he loved and was a wonderful father too. He tried to set the example to his children by working hard, being a totally devoted husband, loving his children with all his heart, being honest in his dealings with others, standing up for what he believed in, love of Country and that his word and handshake were as good as a contract. Keith and Merna enjoyed 60 wonderful years together until Merna's passing in 2006. Keith is survived by his daughters, Merna (Norman) Curtis, West Jordan, Utah, Judy Bori, Stockton, Utah, Bill (Deniece) Kelley, Tooele, Utah, Teresa (Eric) Erickson, Tooele, Utah, 11 grandchildren , 33 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Merna, grandsons, Richard Dean and Jeff Curtis,Chris Curtis, granddaughter, Lori Curtis Van Domburg. Son-in-laws, Glen Dean, Dale Hausman and Chris Healy. Siblings, Samuel James Kelley, Joseph Kelley, Leland Kelley and Louise Kelley Painter. A viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Tooele on Friday July 10th from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 11th at 11AM at the LDS Chapel, 196 North Pinehurst Ave, Tooele, Utah. There will be a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church. Internment will be at the Tooele City Cemetery with full Military Honors.
Francis Keith Kelley returned to the arms of his Heavenly Father and eternal wife, Merna on July 7, 2015 in Tooele, Utah. Keith was born January 4, 1926 to Clara Belle Utley and Joseph Thomas Kelley, Sr in Murray, Utah. He joined The United States Maritime Service in 1943, serving until 1944 where he was discharged in Seattle, Washington. In October of 1944 Keith was inducted into the US Army, serving until May of 1947 when he was honorably discharged. During Keith's military service he earned the respect of many and the following awards: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Phillipine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, The CIB Badge and the World War 11 Victory Medal. Upon being discharged from the Army, he became employed at Tooele Army Depot, retiring from there in 1978. Keith married his true love, Merna Bates on June 1, 1946 and they were later sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Keith and Merna had four children, whom he loved and was a wonderful father too. He tried to set the example to his children by working hard, being a totally devoted husband, loving his children with all his heart, being honest in his dealings with others, standing up for what he believed in, love of Country and that his word and handshake were as good as a contract. Keith and Merna enjoyed 60 wonderful years together until Merna's passing in 2006. Keith is survived by his daughters, Merna (Norman) Curtis, West Jordan, Utah, Judy Bori, Stockton, Utah, Bill (Deniece) Kelley, Tooele, Utah, Teresa (Eric) Erickson, Tooele, Utah, 11 grandchildren , 33 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Merna, grandsons, Richard Dean and Jeff Curtis,Chris Curtis, granddaughter, Lori Curtis Van Domburg. Son-in-laws, Glen Dean, Dale Hausman and Chris Healy. Siblings, Samuel James Kelley, Joseph Kelley, Leland Kelley and Louise Kelley Painter. A viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Tooele on Friday July 10th from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 11th at 11AM at the LDS Chapel, 196 North Pinehurst Ave, Tooele, Utah. There will be a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church. Internment will be at the Tooele City Cemetery with full Military Honors.
