Harold Kelsey (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Harold O. Kelsey, son of Arthur L. and Vera Miller Kelsey, was born December 4, 1929, in Richland, Nebraska. He departed this life Friday, August 25, 2017, in Mercy Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, eight months, and twenty-one days.
On September 15, 1950, he was united in marriage to Betty Lee Phipps, who passed away on February 19, 2007.
On August 15, 2009, he married Vera Geiler, and they shared the last eight years.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers and sisters.
Harold is survived by his wife, Vera, of the home; a son, Larry Kelsey, and his wife, Deborah, of Columbus, Nebraska; a step-daughter, Renee Seiler, of Estes Park, Colorado; two step-sons, Edward Seiler, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Carl Seiler, of Pohoa, Hawaii; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Richland, Nebraska and graduated from high school in the Class of 1948. He worked at a service station for a few years. He then enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. He later started a sanitation business which he operated for eight years. In 1962, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and Harold started working for the Union Pacific Railroad where he was employed for over thirty years. Eventually, the railroad moved him to St. Louis, Missouri for a few years. Upon retiring, he and Betty moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and made their home.
In 1962, Harold joined the Masonic Lodge and became a Master Mason in 1976. He served as a Grand Master at the Beatrice, Nebraska Lodge # 26.
After moving to Lebanon, he became active in the Hughes Senior Center where he met Vera. He loved his family dearly and had many wonderful friends at the Union Pacific Railroad.
Harold was a loving husband, father, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?

