Final Salute

William (Bill) Edward Kelly passed away at 96 years old on August 1, 2021.

Bill was one of seven children born on January 1, 1925, in Aurora, Illinois. His family and friends remember his servant’s attitude that was always present. He was selfless, kind, and humble with a good dose of humor. His biggest accomplishment in life was not only raising his family who was everything to him but also living out his solid faith in the Lord Jesus. He expressed his selfless love by caring for his wife who suffered from Parkinson’s disease for nearly 20 years. Bill was a patriot who dearly loved his country. He served in WWII as a Navy Seabee in the South Pacific. After the war, he worked for the Corvallis Fire Department and retired as Fire Marshall/Assistant Fire Chief from Oak Lodge Fire Department.

Bill was married to Sheree Kelly and had three children, James Michael Kelly, Susan Marie Nelson, and Daniel Leroy Kelly. He thoroughly enjoyed his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Though Bill is no longer with us, he will never be forgotten. He held the torch that we, as his family, gladly take to illuminate our lives and those around us.

The family will hold a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., August 27, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Oregon; which is open to members of the community. The family suggests contribution in his memory to his favorite charities; Wounded Warrior Project or Faith & Freedom Coalition. For more information please visit stehnfuneralhomes.com

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Published by Albany Democrat-Herald on Aug. 22, 2021.