Kenneth Kelton

1954 - 2025

Kelton, Kenneth

August 3, 1954 - October 28, 2025

Kenneth (Ken) Franklin Kelton 71, of University City, Missouri, passed away on October 28, 2025 following complications from lymphoma treatments. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Emily (Brown) Kelton, of University City, MO, two sons Franklin (Angela) Kelton, of Crestwood, MO, James (Jillian) Kelton, of Maplewood, MO, one granddaughter Aurora Kelton of Crestwood, Mo, one sister-in-law Karen (Rodney) Choate of Belleville, AR and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, and great-grand nephews and nieces. Ken was born August 3, 1954 in Hot Springs, AR. After graduating from Russellville High School in 1972 he attended Arkansas Tech University where he met his future wife, Emily Ellen Brown. They were married in 1976. After graduation from Tech, he continued his education first at the University of Tennessee where he earned an M.S in Physics (1978). Then he went on to Harvard University for an S.M. (1980) and Ph.D. (1983) in Applied Physics. Ken joined Washington University in 1985, where he built a distinguished career that spanned 40 years. As a scholar, he was renowned internationally for his pioneering research in materials physics, particularly his work on novel phases such as titanium-based quasicrystals and metallic glasses; experimental and theoretical studies of time-dependent nucleation in condensed systems; investigations of the relationship between developing short-range order in supercooled liquids and nucleation processes; and studies of the potential use of quasicrystals for hydrogen storage. He was installed as the Arthur Holly Compton Professor in Arts and Science (2006). He served as chair of the physics department (2007-2012) and was the inaugural director of the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (2013-2016). He served as mentor to many younger facility members and to 35 PhD students. Among other awards and honors and accomplishments Ken: Completed a book, Nucleation in Condensed Matter – Applications in Materials and Biology, K. F. Kelton and A. L. Greer (2010). Was Co-Director of the International Symposium on Metastable, Amorphous and Nanostructured Materials (ISMANAM) Conference Series (from 2016) Was named to the Hall of Distinction, Arkansas Tech University (2008). Was made a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2005) Served on the Editorial Advisory Board, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids (from 2004) Named Overseas Visiting Scholar, St. Johns' College, Cambridge University (2003) In his non work time loved woodworking in his home shop, hiking and walking in nature, traveling to new places with his family, dressing in costumes and playing games, playing poker with his friends, reading and discussing religion and philosophy and politics, listening to sad music, entertaining friends, and most of all spending time at home with Franklin, Angie, James Jill, and Aurora. He leaves behind family, friends, collaborators, former students, and colleagues who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Franklin Kelton and Helen Marie (McClard) Kelton and his sister Shirely Ann (Kelton) Dixon (James) all of Hot Springs, AR, his sister-in-law Laura Brown (Barry) Huebner of Dallas, TX and Brother-in-law Bretton Brown of Benton, AR. A Celebration of life will take place 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 6800 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO. 63130 In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Winger Food Pantry in care of Trinity Presbyterian Church, University City, Mo where Ken has been a member since 1993. https://onrealm.org/trinityucity/-/form/give/now

Lupton Millard Chapel

7233 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63130

314-721-1870