William J. Kelly

William J. Kelly, 82, of Hannibal, MO and formerly of Atlanta, GA, passed away at 10:43 PM, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. Fr. Greg Meystrik will officiate. Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Hannibal, MO.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, October 24, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. A prayer service will be held at 5:30 PM at the funeral home on Friday.
William was born June 12, 1943, in Boston, MA to Mark J. Kelly and Ellen Benson Kelly.
He was married to Elaine Lawson on August 30, 1964, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Boston, MA. She survives.
Other survivors include his three children, Dr. Susan M. Meidl (Dr. Erik) of Hannibal, MO, William M. Kelly (Amy) of Augusta, GA, and Kevin J. Kelly (Jenny) of Lawrenceville, GA; eight grandchildren, Katherine Meidl, Laura Russell (Alexander), Sarah Walsh (Patrick), Joseph Meidl, Patrick Kelly, Elisabeth Kelly, Daniel Kelly, and Anna Kelly; two great grandchildren, twins, Aurelia and Juliana Russell.
William was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Dorothy Wilburn.
William enjoyed a lengthy career as a commercial airline pilot, flying for Eastern Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines. After flying for 33 years, William later became a flight simulator instructor for Boeing, where he trained flight crews from around the world. William retired at the age of 75.
William was a highly respected pilot amongst his colleagues. He took his first solo flight at the age of 15, before he could legally drive! Over the years, William's love for aviation became part of his hobbies and interests, as he loved to research aviation and stay up on current events in the aviation industry. A world traveler, William took pleasure in flights to Saudi Arabia, Europe, and around the world. William served his country proudly as a member of the United States National Guard. A devoted husband and father, William, took immense pride in being a grandfather and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Most of all, William cherished his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
William was a Catholic by faith.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or donor's choice. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.