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Ronald Kelly Obituary
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in Murdale Baptist Church in Carbondale. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Ron was born Sept. 17, 1938, in Quincy to Lillian M. Johns and Wren Kelly.
He married Joyce Roberson in June 1968. She passed away in February 1992. He then married Bernadette Zimmer of Carbondale on Nov. 1, 1993. She survives.
Other survivors include two adopted children, Vince Kelly and Mona Klaffer; seven grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Orr; and one brother, Richard Kelly and his wife, Linda.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one adopted son, Brian Kelly; and brother-in-law, Wes Orr.
Ron attended the Wataga Congregational Church while growing up and most recently attended Murdale Baptist Church.
Ron served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960 including two years at Ladd AFB in the Alaska Air Command. He then came to Carbondale to begin his schooling at Southern Illinois University, receiving a bachelor of science degree in aviation management. In 1964, he began his 27-year aviation career at the Southern Illinois Airport. During the last 12 years there, Ron served as director of the Southern Illinois University Air Institute and Service.
During his aviation career, Ron was an inspiration to hundreds of aviation students. Ron was a member of the University Aviation Association and 25-year board member of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. Ron also helped to establish the SIU Flying Club, SIU Flying Team and the Sigma Chapter (SIU) of Alpha Eta Rho, a professional aviation fraternity. In 1997, Ron was elected national president of the NIFA Foundation, national president of Alpha Eta Rho and lifetime member of the NIFA Board. In addition, Ron served on the Flight Training Committee for the National Air Transportation Association, Washington, D.C., and was a longstanding, accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives, Washington, D.C. Ron's lifetime of outstanding service to aviation was honored in 2006 when he was inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame. During his retired years, Ron taught General Aviation Management for SIU at various off-campus military bases as well as on campus. From 1977 to 1999, Ron was president of the De Soto Lions Club.
Memorials may be made to Murdale Baptist Church or another charity of the donor's choice.
Huffman-Harker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Kelly
John Seibert
May 15, 2008
To Bernadette and all of Ron's extended Family: I'm afraid news traveled much too slowly up here about Ron's passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. Some of my earliest and fondest memories include Ron out at the airport. He was a kind man and I can remember feeling like he genuninely cared about what was happening to me as a kid...I know he was that rare man who, as my Dad's business associate was not just another guy at the office, but was a true friend. We hope all the fond memories are a comfort to all of you.
John, Terry and Joe Seibert
Bruce Joseph
April 18, 2008
My sympathy goes out to Ron's immediate and extended "airport" family. As a memeber of Ron's extended "airport family," I was one of the lucky students who had an opportunity to work for, work with and get to know Ron professionally and personally. My memories are several and fond of the times with Ron. He always had a bright smile and encouraging words for me, an aspiring young college student/aviator. Ron used his extensive network to avail many of us to oportunities that were otherwise unobtainable, giving selflessly so that we would have every opportunity to succeed. Ron understood that the long term viability of any institution of higher education (i.e. SIU Flight) turned on graduates ability to find employment in their chosen field. Simply, but for Ron's generosity, kindness and encouragment I would not be where I am today. Ron is truly missed.
Mauri Banycky Norman
April 16, 2008
My sympathy to all of Ron's family. What great memories I have of this truly nice guy. When I earned my pilots license & started at SIU in 1970, Ron urged me to join the flying team. Oh baby, what a fun time we had! Ron and Tom Young somehow found the time to guide me, and so many other students, through unforgettable experiences. Ron's contribution to the NIFA and the whole aviation industry is his legacy to everyone. His kindness, encouragement, and mentoring of students will live on in countless souls. May God be with you.
JEAN OHMS
April 16, 2008
I just heard last evening (Apr 15) from Geneva, when I was walking Nicky, about Ron. I am so sorry. If there is anything I can do to help, even if it is just someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, please let me know. I can relate to how you are feeling; I still miss Nick.
God bless you,
Jean Ohms, Your neighbor
Wayne Machnich
April 15, 2008
I didn't know Ron very well, we only met briefly on campus. I send my sympathy to his family, I know he will be missed.
Liz Sexson
April 15, 2008
Ron and I have served on the Board of Directors for the College of Applied Sciences and Arts for a long time. It was a priviledge to know him and to thank him for all he has done for the field of aviation.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Jim Gehring
April 14, 2008
To Bernadette and Family:
My continuing support to the Collegiate Flying community is completely a response to the guidence received from Ron and also from Harold Woods (one of Ron's closest friends), my advisor at Parks College. Ron demonstrated a complete dedication to the aviation industry and a willingness to share his insights and experiences with students. His effects as a mentor will remain with his students for years. Ron's influence to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association will forever help to shape a valuable industry.
Ron will be missed but his life-long efforts will live on for years.
DAVID AND SHARON NESLER
April 14, 2008
DEAR BERNADETTE,
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING YOU TIME OF SADDNESS AND ALWAYS. RON WAS SUCH A SPECIAL PERSON AND WE KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED BY YOU AND ALL HIS FAMILY.
OUT DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL.
Duke, Shirl & Family Ellis
April 14, 2008
Our condolences to the Kelly Family. We never got the opportunity to meet you, Dick talked highly of of Ron. Our prayers to you the family.
God Bless,
Arthur Miehle
April 13, 2008
Ron Kelly was an inspiration and a mentor to thousands of students and others, myself included. Ron will be dearly missed. It is with great sadness that I acknowledge his departure from this world.
My most heartfelt condolences go out to his wonderful wife, Bernadette, and the rest of his family.
Karen McNeely McMinn
April 13, 2008
My condolences to the entire Kelly family. Another earthly angel turned heavenly. Eternal peace now stands with Jesus at the highest plateau in charge. Peace to all. John 3:16
Murdale Baptist Member
Bob Clement
April 13, 2008
A sign of greatness is the willingness to give to others, and Ron was without peer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We will miss a great leader, tireless mentor, and a true friend of collegiate aviation in the loss of Ron. As National President of Alpha Eta Rho (AHP) and the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Foundation (NIFA), Ron dedicated over 45 years of volunteer service to helping mold the future of aviation today. Ron is directly responsible for tens of thousands of young aviation students receiving the guidance, education, and values that shaped our Nations future. We can never repay him or Bernadette for their unselfish giving to others.
Ron, thank you for all that you have done. God Bless You, we will miss you.
On behalf of Alpha Eta Rho and the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Foundation
Paul and Debbie Crawford
April 13, 2008
Goodbye to a wonderful kind man that has filled so many lives with the joy of knowing him.
And to his family we are sorry for your pain in losing him, but know that he was loved dearly by many. Embrace all the joy he has brought to your lives. Bless you all.
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