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Wendell Kelley Obituary
Wendell J. Kelley, 82, former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Illinois Power Company, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away on Oct. 25. He was born May 2, 1926, in Urbana, IL. Following high school graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Following the War, Mr. Kelley entered the Univ. of IL. On June 12, 1947, he and Evelyn Kimpel were married in Urbana, a union that defined his life and lasted until his death. Following graduation from the Univ. of IL with a BS in Elec. Engineering, Mr.
Kelley went to work for Illinois Power Company. In 1961 he was elected vice president; in 1966 was elected to the Board of Directors, President, and CEO. He became Chairman of the Board in 1976. Mr. Kelley served on numerous professional boards during his career including: Illinois State Chamber of Commerce (1973 and 1974); National Electric Reliability Council (1978-80); Edison Electric Institute (1980-91); American Brands, Inc.; Franklin Life Insurance Co.; Magna Group, Inc; Millikin Bank; Millikin University; and the Schultz-Lewis Children's Home in Valparaiso, IN. Several college scholarships were established in his and his wife's names. Besides his wife, Mr. Kelley is survived by his five sons and their wives: Jeff and Marsha of Stone Mountain, GA, David and Beth of Germantown, TN, Alan and Angie of Eureka, MO, Steve and Susan of Oak Park, IL and John and Diana of Birmingham, AL; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 North Oakland, Decatur, IL, at 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Funeral Services will be held at Sunnyside Road Church of Christ, 821 N. Sunnyside Rd., Decatur, IL, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the National MS Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Kelley
Jack and Pat Nichols
November 9, 2008
Your dad was a faithful husband and a faithful provider for his children and a faithful servant of the Lord. We know you will miss him.
Marilee Straza
November 3, 2008
Dear Evelyn,Jeff,and all of the Kelley Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. It was a wonderful experience to grow up in the same neighborhood with the Kelley family. My mom and Nellie Boland always marveled at what a special couple your parents were and how respectful and successful all of the Kelley boys were. I felt very lucky to watch your family work and grow together. Your parents set such a great example through their Faith. That Faith will now comfort you and give you Peace.
Blessings To All of Your Family,
Marilee Straza
Alan Darnell
November 3, 2008
Hi Evelyn, Jeff, David, Alan, Steve, and John,
I am sorry to hear of Wenell's passing. I have many fond memories of the Kelly family. Mom sent me a copy of the obituary. It was nice to read about Wenell's life. Please accept my condolences. With all my best wishes for all of you, Alan
Douglas Karlen
November 2, 2008
Dear Steve,
I was saddened to hear the news of your Dad’s passing. What a year for us! We have each experienced the feelings surrounding the loss of a father. Although each of us has his unique thoughts and memories at a time like this, there are certain elements common to us all--dealing with loss, wondering about the future. In that respect, you can believe me when I say I understand what you are going through right now.
During my Dad’s final illness, you were, for me, a source of strength and stability. You were (and are) a good friend. In addition, I greatly appreciated the words you spoke at my father’s memorial. I wish I could perform the same services for you now. Under the circumstances, though, that will probably not be possible. I know, however, that Susan, your brothers, and your whole family will help you and each other mourn and then move on.
This is a time of sadness and a time for performing unanticipated but necessary duties. More important, though, it is also a time for honoring a life and for celebrating a life.
Joel Huston
October 31, 2008
Dear Aunt Evelyn, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. In my brief encounters with Wendell, I was left with great respect and awe. He was a great example to all he met. Steve- It was great speaking with you on the phone recently; and David- I look forward to catching up with you as a fellow Mid-Southerner. Your father was agreat man. I am sorry for your loss.
Scott Huston
October 31, 2008
Aunt Evelyn and Family, May God give you comfort as He grieves with you at this time of loss--- and at the same time celebrates the coming home of of one of His children. In the half a dozen times I had the privilege to be around Wendell, I was always blessed with his sincere interest in me and my family and tremendous wit and wisdom. I will miss him.
Bob Kennedy
October 31, 2008
John: I knew your dad a little during college, I visited him on a work referral. You have my condolences, your dad was a big reason why Decatur was a great place to grow up. You and I were in the same kgarten class at S. Shores I believe.
Bill Sheppard
October 30, 2008
Alan: I heard you talk about your dad a few times in a manner that told me you had great respect and love for him. I am sorry for your loss but glad you have a hope for a bright tomorrow.
Todd Kunza
October 29, 2008
Evelyn & Family, May God be with you and your family in this time of grief and sorrow, I did not personally know my Great Uncle, but I know that he was a great man. May God Bless all of you.
Delores Parker
October 29, 2008
Steve, I, like you, was one of five children, only it was four girls to one boy. We lost our Dad when he was 80, just five years ago. I still miss him every day. I can assure you that no matter how sad you are today, you will find yourself smiling a lot as the years pass and you bring back to mind all the wonderful memories that I know you have.
Jean McCormick
October 29, 2008
Evelyn and family--
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all--May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
UHS Class of '45
Mary Horency
October 29, 2008
To Steve and Family: What a legacy your Dad left to you. Blessings on you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mary Horency (at WJE)
Denny & Vickie Kunza
October 28, 2008
Evelyn & Family:
Be blessed knowing that Uncle Wendell was loved by all that met him and that he is now at rest with the Lord. We will miss him greatly.
Stay strong and know that Wendell will always be with you.
William Downs
October 28, 2008
Evelyn: Mary and I extend our condolences to you and your family. Although too seldom, we would have the occasion to meet we remember you and Wendell fondly and with respect.
Bill and Mary Downs
Fran Swain
October 27, 2008
The Family,
Your Dad was a loving, happy giving man. He lived a full life and left lasting memories for everyone he came in touch with. I am glad I knew him and have your family so close to us. Love, Fran Hilderbrand Swain
George and Arnyth LaMasters & Family
October 27, 2008
our remembrance of your family's care and kindness is a sweet memory of you all.. we pray blessings and strength for you and joy at dad's graduation to eternity.
Marianna Kaler
October 27, 2008
Mr. Kelley will be missed. He was wounderfull guy. even in a short period of time that I met him.
Mrs. Kelley i am sorry for you loss.
Please e-mail me if you can. i would like to hear from you.
Marianna (used to be with Comfort keepers)
BOB REYNOLDS
October 26, 2008
sad to read of my friend passing away, worked under , Mr. Kelly, at I.P. retired after 32 plus years, just bought a place in TAVARES fl.we at I.P., are family, he will never be forgotten, a great man.. god be with all his family. bob and carolyn reynolds
june kelley
October 26, 2008
Sending love and sympathy
Bill Twenty
October 26, 2008
Jeff,
Your father was an inspiration to all of us. The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree.
My prayers will be with you and all of your family; although your father looks like he's already in Heaven so I don't think you need worry.
Andrea Lantz
October 26, 2008
May the peace and comfort of the Lord be with each of you in the days to come. How blessed you all have been to have "Papa" Kelley in your lives. He will be missed.
II Cor. 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
With love and sympathy, Andrea and Mark Lantz
Patte Miller
October 26, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. With sincerest sympathy and regards
Jerry Hawkins
October 26, 2008
Sorry for your loss. I was an employed at Illinois Power for forty years and knew Mr Kelly when working on various work projects.
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