William S Kelley (Bolivar)'s Obituary
William (Bill) Sterling Kelley, 79, was born in Kensal, North Dakota on July 8, 1936 to David Allison Walker and Christina Emma Vick-Farnsworth. He passed away on April 10, 2016 at Citizen Memorial Hospital.
Bill was raised on a farm in North Dakota where he had a special interest in horses and helping his father sheer sheep. Because of his physical stature, he was soon nicknamed “Shorty.” After finishing a couple of years of high school, he left to serve his country overseas. Upon returning to the United States, he pursued a career as a painter and carpenter.
In 1958 he married the love of his life, Ann, and shortly after, they relocated to Denver, CO where he began his career as a car salesman. After having four children and 6 years together, they relocated to Waynesville, MO.
Bill had a passion for collecting die-cast cars, gardening yard work, barbecuing (pork steak), card playing, storytelling, and fishing every chance he got. He earned the name “Papa Mutt” by his grandchildren who adored him. He was an avid sports enthusiast and he loved watching baseball, football, and wrestling at the Chase.
Bill will always be remembered as a man with a big heart. He spent much of his life helping others in need, even if he had a bit of a reputation for being a prankster. Regardless, he was a man who brought light to the darkness and helped others laugh through the good times and the bad. Preceding him in death was his wife, Ann, of 43 years and wife, Annette, of 6 years; parents David Walker and Christiana Vick-Farnsworth; step-dad Bruce Farnsworth, brother-in-law Milo Christofferson; and son, Ray Kelley. Survivors include: sister, Donna Mae Christofferson, of Warwick, ND; brother, Raymond Walker (Barb), of Cooperstown, ND; step-son, Steven Meckle (Jodi), of Hasting, MN; son, Rick Walker (Kay), of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Frances Wilmes (Wayne) of Joplin, MO; daughter, Connie Rea, of Ozark, MO; daughter-in-law, Tarcela Kelley, of Joplin, MO; 12 grandchildren, Conrad Kelley, Chelsie Rathbone (Nathan), Ryan Wilmes, Haley Walker, Aubrey Cole (Tom), Kristin Cole (Justin), Brandon Kelley (Erin), Rikki Gates (Anthony), Lauren Meckle, Ashleigh Meckle, Zachary Rea, Rhiannon Walker; and 5 great-grandchildren, Carter Walker, Tanner Cole, Camden Cole, Kenley Walker, and Baby Kelley on the way.
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