Jan 17, 2013

Edwin A. Kelley, 78, a resident of White Rock, N.M., passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2013, which would have been his 25th anniversary with his beloved wife, Billie.

He was born February 7, 1934, in Washington, a son of the late John B. Sr. and Ruth A. Kelley.

Mr. Kelley was a 1951 graduate of Trinity High School.

He was a machinist all his life as many of the Kelley families were, and was known for being “one of the best.” He moved to Los Alamos, N.M., in 1967 to work for LASL, in the main shops. From 1976 until 1981, he operated and owned Kelley’s Hilltop Gulf station in Los Alamos. After that, he worked on various other projects within LANL and the community as a master machinist.

Mr. Kelley loved going to Lake Erie with his family in the summers, playing pool with his buddies, camping, boating, hunting, fishing, almost anything outdoors, racing motorcycles and going to hill climbs. He enjoyed working on and reselling cars, and, oh, how he loved to dance and many times won those great dance contests, playing a very competitive game of horseshoes and always joked about having a prayer with the Lord (Calvert). Mr. Kelley loved his animals and was especially fond of his dog, Buttons, who passed away several years ago, and his wife’s dog Mitzi, who is a very lonely little dog now.

He was a loving father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and son and loved all the children, especially all the babies.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a sister, Margaret E. Humphreys; his first wife, Shirley A. Kelley; and his second wife, Billie F. Kelley.

He is survived by seven children, Richard E. Kelley (Shari) of Los Alamos, Cynthia (Cindy) J. Kelley of Los Alamos, Edwin A. Kelley Jr. (Brenda) of Los Alamos, Janet S. Caldwell (Jack) of Lamy, N.M., Mary Lou Holmes (David) of Los Alamos, Debbie L. Evans (Ed) of San Antonio, Texas, and John P. Kelley of Los Alamos; seven stepchildren, Shirley A. Jarrell (Hal) of Houston, Texas, Debbie F. Wright of Albuquerque, N.M., Carolyn J. Blossom of Albuquerque, Billie R. Clark (Chris) of Tijeras, N.M., Barbara L. Sanchez (David) of Española, N.M., Orbry L. Wright (Kathleen) of Los Alamos and Katherine L. Brophy (Dan) of Española; a brother, John B. Kelley (Sandra) of Beaver; and a sister, Joan R. Reese of Washington.

Mr. Kelley was blessed with 28 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 20, in Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory, Española, N.M. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite animal shelter in his name. The family of Edwin A. Kelley have entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Española Valley, 505-747-7477, or www.devargasfuneral.com.