Bobbie A. Kelley

CMS BOBBIE A. KELLEY, age 73, passed away at his home in Moreno Valley on May 24, 2008. Chief Kelley had a 28 year military career in both the US Navy and USAF serving multiple assignments at March AFB dating back to 1964. He moved to Moreno Valley to stay in 1977 and retired from the Air Force in 1979. He subsequent ly spent 10 years with Rohr Industries in Riverside, eventually electing to enjoy his retirement and devote time to his life-long hobby of handicapping thoroughbred horses. Originally from Thomasville, Alabama, Chief Kelley joined the Navy in 1954 where he met and married his wife Janet in Brownsville, Texas. He joined the Air Force in 1958 and worked much of his career in the jet engine field, becoming a field maintenance shop leader and finally, a First Sergeant. During that time, Bob spent many years ove rseas serving in Guam, Okinawa, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Serving with distinction, dedication, and honor, his many decorations included the Bronze Star. Losing Janet to cancer in 1996, He met and married Patricia Leathers in 1998. They were blessed to spend many happy years together, enjoying their shared interest in horse racing and vacationing in Laughlin, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. She survives him along with his brother, Norman; son, Michael; step-daughter, Michelle; grandson, Robert; and granddaughte r, Brittany. Wire-to-wire, from the starting gate to the finish line his humor, courage and strength of will endured throughout his life. He leaves this life in the winners circle dearly loved and much missed. Graveside Services will be Friday, 5/30 at 9:30 A.M., staging area #3, in the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to a group dedicated to the care of retired California thoroughbreds CARMA, PO Box 1086, Sierra Madre, CA 910 25 tax id #80-0146395. Family assisted by Miller-Jones Moreno Valley Mortuary (951) 485-4542 www.miller-jones.com