Karl Kelly

Karl Edward Kelly (Papa Karl), loving father and grandfather, entered his eternal home October 7, 2008, at his Waco residence.

Graveside services will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2008 at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Gray officiating.

Karl was born Sept. 14, 1919 in Waxahachie, Texas to Admiral Dewey and Emerlee Davis Kelly. He was a resident of Waco since the age of 5. Karl graduated from Waco High School in 1938. He was manager of the football team for Coach Paul Tyson. He married Alpha (Dollie) Jewell on August 6, 1939. Karl was a veteran of World War II as a staff Sergeant-Gunnery Instructor in the Eighth Air Force, serving in Europe.

He took pride in beginning his work career at age 12 delivering newspapers both morning and evening on his bicycle. In high school he worked in a potato chip factory and before the war was a manger of the vegetable department of the grocery store. Following the war, he attended Baylor University on the G.I. Bill, graduating in just 3 years. He worked for Amicable Life Insurance Co. for 10 years before joining his wife's family business. He was president of Jewell Concrete Products until his retirement in 1990. He stayed active through his volunteer service at both Hillcrest and Providence Hospitals for more than 10 years. He worked many blood drives and was a member of the Gallon Club.

Karl was a member of Highway 31 Association, serving 2 terms as president, a member of Waco Jaycees and H.O.T. Lions Club. He was a Shriner and member of Waco Masonic Lodge 92. He was a life member of the National Concrete Masonry Association, where he served as Vice President, member AGC, and president of Texas Concrete Masonry Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dollie, his beloved wife of 67 years, and his sister Jennie Ruth Lummus.

Karl is survived by his son, Holt E. Kelly of Waco; daughters, Betsy Wagnon of Lufkin, Vikki Kelly of Waco and Karla Grisham and husband, Walter of Waco; grandchildren, Robbin Grisham Dzina and husband, David, Scott Grisham and wife, Christi, T.K. Kelly, Joshua Kelly, Alyssa Kelly, Will Wagnon, Alexis Wagnon, Samantha Wagnon; five great-grandchildren, Paige and Mollie Dzina, Owen, John Thomas and Amelia Grisham.; nephew, Dr. Larry K. Lummus and wife, Kathy of Bullard; sisters-in-law, Josephine Surface of New Braunfels and Lorene Jewell of Waco; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be the staff of Oakwood Cemetery. Our special thanks to all of them for their special care of our father.

Special thanks to Bluebonnet Hospice and to Bill Coleman of OakCrest Funeral Home for his caring assistance with our Mother and Father.

Memorials may be directed to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, Box 23406, Waco, TX 76702 or to Meals on Wheels, Box 85, Waco, TX 76703 in memory of Karl E. Kelly.