MAJ. Erwin C. Kelly Jr.

1922 - 2021

Kelly Jr., MAJ. Erwin C. 4/19/1922 - 9/8/2021 Lawton, MI Loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Erwin went to Heaven Wednesday, September 8, 2021. His life's motto, "anything worth doing is worth doing correctly the first time" was depicted in his life. He was strong, honest, kind and loving to all blessed to know him. He attended WMU before military service called. His love for flying began in the Army Air Corps in 1944 in a B-24, continuing through 33 years as a corporate pilot for Kawneer Co., Niles, MI. Teaching flight was his special gift; he was a perfectionist. He treasured fishing and hunting with dear friends in Canada and golf at Tara Golf & CC in Florida. Sailing and teaching skiing at Gravel Lake was his joy. He was a lifetime member of Niles Elks Lodge. Erwin is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty, daughters Patricia (John), Paula (Randy), and Karen, Grandkids Emily (Jon), Chad (Morgan), Adam (Lauren), Matthew (Andrea), and Carrie (Wesley), and Greats Madelyn, Ryker, Jack, Ava, Olivia, Liam, and Claire. A visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday, September 20th at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel where services will begin at 12:00 noon. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.