JACK KELSEY

MINDENMINES-A memorial service, including full military honors, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Daniel Funeral Home for Winton D. “Jack” Kelsey, 89, Mindenmines, who died at his home on Friday, June 3, 2016, with family by his side. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Barton County Senior Center or Three Rivers Hospice, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his loving companion, Donna Letton; two sons, Jack Kelsey and wife Robbie, Tulsa, Okla. and Kevin Kelsey and wife Marty, Golden City; three daughters, Jonni Ottesen and husband Bob, Olathe, Kan., Connie Taylor and husband Wayne, Johnston, Iowa and Kim Kelsey, Kansas City, Mo.; a sister, Maxine Chesnut, Lamar; nine grandchildren, Melanie Bates, Dustin Ottesen, Monty Taylor, Derek Ottesen, Christian Kelsey, Jessi Smith and Cody Smith; nine great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; a large extended family and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Billie (Harris) Kelsey, who was the mother of his five children and Cecile (McNally) Kelsey; longtime friend, Rita Wilson; a brother, Bud Kelsey; sister, Mable Letton and two granddaughters, Megan and Barbara Kelsey.

Mr. Kelsey was born May 19, 1927, in Mindenmines, to Elmer and Stella (Applegate) Kelsey. He graduated from high school and entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After completing his tour of duty in the Navy, he joined the Army Reserves and was called to active duty in Korea in 1950. Patriotic and loyal throughout his life, he was active in the Jasper VFW Post 6415, American Legion and Pittsburg Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders.

Returning to civilian life on August 31, 1951, he began a career in HVAC, living in Pittsburg, Kan., and working in the physical plant at Pitt State for many years. As an avid biker, he was a lifetime H.O.G. member and enjoyed the fellowship of the Scooter Boosters and R.O.M.E.O. Riders. He was a talented artist, crafting wood sculpture art for family and friends. He was a green-thumb gardener who had raised vegetables to share and enjoyed working in his lawn and flower beds. He was a member of Mindenmines Christian Church and had attended First Christian Church in Lamar. In later years, he made many lasting friendships over lunch and activities at Barton County Senior Center.