IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Robert Kelly
Rosary prayers for Robert Eugene Kelly, 87, who passed away Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at his home in Marion, will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Marion.
Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Bob will be laid to rest in Marion Cemetery.
Born May 21, 1936, in McPherson to Joseph and Helen (Meirowsky) Kelly, he grew up in Florence, attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School and graduating in 1954 from Florence High School.
He married Donna Ehrlich on July 1, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Florence. They had two children, Patrick Joseph and Sherri Marie.
Bob was a carpenter and contractor, having his own business, Kelly Construction, for more than 40 years in Marion.
He learned at an early age the importance of hard work, pride in what you do, and treating people with fairness and respect.
His love of working with wood shows in one of his last projects, the building and finishing of the altar and lectern for renovation of St. Mark Catholic Church in Marion in 2008.
He had been an active member of the church since moving to Marion in 1961. He served on the building and grounds committee for nine years, always was a willing volunteer, and was a member of the Knight of Columbus.
His church and faith were very important to him throughout his entire life.
Bob loved sports and being outdoors. He played sports in school and added bowling when he moved to Marion.
Fishing, hunting, sport shooting, deer hunting with a bow or rifle, or just walking through the woods at his farm brought him much enjoyment.
He coached and sponsored youth baseball, was a member of the Marion Athletic Association, was head of the Marion Trap Shooters, and served on the Marion City Planning Commission and Hilltop Authority Board.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack and Jim Kelly, sisters Ruth Kelly and Dorothy Herzet, son Patrick Kelly, daughter Sherri Kelly Druse, and granddaughter Danielle Druse.
Bob is survived by Donna, his wife of 68 years, and grandsons Christopher Druse and Joshua Druse of Melbourne, Florida; Evan Kelly (and wife Ashley) of Shelbyville, Missouri; and Ryan Kelly (and wife Brittany) of Edina, Missouri.
Other survivors include great-grandchildren Saxon Scherer; Sam, Ruthie, and Meredith Kelly; and Bradly and Brennett Kelly, and special nieces and relatives.
Bob loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and family. He had many friends and will be greatly missed.
Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Marion is serving the family.
Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be directed to St. Mark Catholic Church, Marion.
Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Bob at www.yazelmeglifh.com.