In Memory Of
Robert Earle Kelly
1937
2018
Robert Earle Kelly
September 20, 1937 — September 4, 2018
Robert Earle "Mike" Kelly, 80, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at a local hospital.
Mike was born September 20, 1937 in Marfa, TX, the son of James Earle and Claire (McCracken) Kelly. He graduated from Marfa High School in 1955 and received his Associate Degree from Amarillo College in Amarillo, TX.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 35 years, retiring with the rank of Command Sergeant Major.
He was employed as a Freight Claim Investigator for the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring in 1999 after 35 years of service.
He was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon and sang in the choir.
Mike was a devoted son to his mother, a wonderful husband and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and had many life-long friends.
Mike married Rita R. Risinger on September 13, 1958 in Sweetwater, TX. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Debbie (Russell) Dendy, Buffalo Gap, TX, Susan (Paul) Weidenbach and Cheryl Kelly, of Topeka; 6 grandchildren: Amanda (Jake), Katie (Brock), Joshlyn, Sierra (Jacob), Madison and Sage; and 5 great-grandchildren: Makenna, Clayton, Addison, JaeLynn and Grant. He was preceded in death by an infant son; his parents; and a sister, Pat Dawson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1821 SW 37th Street. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
To leave a special message for the family online visit the guestbook below.
Mike was born September 20, 1937 in Marfa, TX, the son of James Earle and Claire (McCracken) Kelly. He graduated from Marfa High School in 1955 and received his Associate Degree from Amarillo College in Amarillo, TX.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 35 years, retiring with the rank of Command Sergeant Major.
He was employed as a Freight Claim Investigator for the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring in 1999 after 35 years of service.
He was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon and sang in the choir.
Mike was a devoted son to his mother, a wonderful husband and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and had many life-long friends.
Mike married Rita R. Risinger on September 13, 1958 in Sweetwater, TX. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Debbie (Russell) Dendy, Buffalo Gap, TX, Susan (Paul) Weidenbach and Cheryl Kelly, of Topeka; 6 grandchildren: Amanda (Jake), Katie (Brock), Joshlyn, Sierra (Jacob), Madison and Sage; and 5 great-grandchildren: Makenna, Clayton, Addison, JaeLynn and Grant. He was preceded in death by an infant son; his parents; and a sister, Pat Dawson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1821 SW 37th Street. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
To leave a special message for the family online visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Earle Kelly, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, September 9, 2018
3:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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