Obituary

Thomas R. Kelly
August 26, 1929 - January 30, 2015

Thomas R. Kelly

Thomas R. Kelly
Aug 26, 1929 - Jan 30, 2015

Thomas R. Kelly
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Thomas R. Kelly age 85, of Ames, Iowa passed away Friday, January 30, 2015 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way with a 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb 6, Mass of Christian Burial at St. Cecelia Catholic Church and burial at Ames Municipal Cemetery with a reception to follow at The Elks Club in Ames.
Thomas Ralph Kelly was born August 26, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. His family moved to Ames when he was 15 years old. After graduation from Ames High School in 1948, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a submariner. After completing his military service, he returned to his home in Ames and attended Iowa State University where he majored in landscape architecture. He began working at Ames Lab in the graphics communication division and later became director of the division. During his tenure at Ames Lab he was also very active member of the IPMA (Inplant Management Association). He retired from Ames Lab in 1987.
Shortly after retirement, Tom taught the history of graphics and communication at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny, Iowa. Later he was employed by the Ames Community Schools and worked in the grounds management division for 11 years - a job he truly enjoyed.
Tom was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, American Legion, and a 60-year member of the Iowa Elks Association where he served as Exalted Ruler, State President, and Grand Lecturing Knight.
Tom married Jody Lechner in 1951 and later married Betty Brock Lechner in 1969. Betty passed away June 28, 2000, and he married Karla Moore on August 31, 2001.
Tom is survived by his wife Karla; 4 daughters - Kathy (Steve) Carter of Ames, Kim(Jesse) Peters of Marco Island, Florida, DeDee(Gary) Birdsall of Slater, and Kris (Tom) Hills of Leonard Town, Maryland; one son, Brock Kelly of Sebastopol, California; 4 step children - Candace Lechner (Steve) Hogg of Paulsbo, Washington; Doug (Leslie) Lechner of Santa Clarita, CA; Jeremy Moore of Des Moines, and Jon (Heather) Moore of Bailey, CO; sister, Anita (Vern) Pitcher of Lisbon, IA; 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Yula Kelly, brother Jim Kelly, and wife Betty.
Please direct memorials to the Israel Family Hospice House.
On Line condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Jeff and Pam Koontz on Feb 5, 2015

THINKINF of you all, we always liked to listen to Toms stories at Elks conventions, he was always so friendly. He fought very hard...

Dixie Mackie on Feb 5, 2015

CandleI will miss this big guy. I love a good story teller and Tom was one of the best! The humor; I think back on how he would tease his Mom, and try to get her goat. He and I loved stewed tomato's, that Ylula would make, and would always try to get the bowl before the other did. Makes me smile, and also hungry ! Karla, my heart goes out to you. You are so very special!

Karen K. Popelka on Feb 5, 2015

Carla, you are to be commended for the loving care you have given Tom. So sorry to the family for your loss. It is not easy. You do have lots of memeories to share. He and Neal shared the same "second" home. The great people at the Elks Club in Ames.

Mindy Moore on Feb 4, 2015

CandleI will always remember Thomas's entertaining stories, enthusiasm, many talents and awesome spaghetti. It was an honor to have known him. Wishing peace and comfort to all his friends and family.

Cindy Avalos on Feb 4, 2015

I met Tom when he stopped to thank me for some rhubarb he made into a pie. Tom was an artist, whether he was cooking or painting. He was adventurous, liked to travel, enjoyed learning, liked a good joke, and expressed his appreciation. He was interesting. I'm hoping these memorable qualities will be a continual source of comfort to Karla, members of the family, and Tom's friends.

Alan O. Bornmueller on Feb 3, 2015

Karla and Family - I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. If it wasn't for his help, I would not have graduated in Architecture from ISU. I started working as a draftsman for Tom at the Ames Lab when I was a Junior/Senior at AHS. When I started ISU I continued to work for him. His only "requirement" was that I give him my class schedule. That way he would know when I was not available to draft for him. When finals came around, he was very flexible with the work schedule. He was one of my Dad's best friends and because of Tom I was able to put myself through college.

Thanks Tom!

Anita Kelly Pitcher on Feb 3, 2015

CandleTom was my brother. Growing up without a father, Tom took over that role. He attended dad daughter dinners. Dressed in a suit and tie and shined shoes, expressing that shoes showed the man's worth. That tipping, those that serve you, also showed one's character. He taught me to dance. And when he sang, he sounded like Dean Martin. I learned respect and to treat others kindly. When he raised his voice, which was often, I listened, he could move faster than anyone I've ever known. He also handed out hugs when I was sad or mad or even really happy. I knew he loved me, and I him, and will miss him dearly.

Don & Rita Gibson on Feb 3, 2015

So sorry for your loss. He was a great fellow and will be missed by all. Karla and your family are in our thoughts and prayers

dedee birdsall on Feb 2, 2015

Bobbi Blanford Borich on Feb 2, 2015

CandleWords cannot begin to express the sadness in my heart for Tom's family. My prayers to all of you during this difficult time. My love is with you all. Tom was like my 2nd Dad growing up. I will always love you buddy and you will be deeply missed. Bobbi

Alan O. Bornmueller on Feb 1, 2015

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Visitation

Feb
5
Thursday
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care
414 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM


Service

Feb
6
Friday
St Cecilia Catholic Church
2900 Hoover Ave
Ames, IA 50010
10:30 AM


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