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Andrew “Andy” Murell Kelly of Viburnum, Missouri passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the age of 89 years. He was born March 26, 1931 in Hemet, California to Rosa May Reynolds Kelly and Andrew Venus Kelly.
Andy entered the U. S. Navy and served his country for two honorable terms. The first term was from 1952-1955 and second term was 1956-1958. Andrew married the love of his life, Bernadette “Bunny” Kelly on May 27, 1961 and to this union six children were born. They resided in California for seventeen years and then found their way to Missouri.
Andy accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on October 25, 1970. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Viburnum.
One of the things Andy enjoyed doing was driving a truck. He drove with three of his sons, two nephews and his wife. Andy spent several years driving as a teamster in California, then in Missouri. He and Bunny were team drivers for Wayne Daniels Trucking Company for several years and Tracker Marine Boats of Lebanon, MO. He also worked as a security guard for Global Security at the Doe Run Company in Viburnum, MO. He also enjoyed volunteering at Stonecrest Healthcare in Viburnum.
Andy was a member of the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) for over eighteen years. His biggest enjoyment was when he and his wife purchased their trike and traveled across country. Andy enjoyed being outside and was always ‘tinkering’ on something.
Andy and Bunny spent the last twenty-nine years inseparable in their fifty-nine years of marriage.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Rosa Kelly; wife, Bernadette “Bunny” Kelly; son, Brian Kelly; daughter, Catherine (James) Umfress; grandson, Chad Umfress; and great-grandson, Eric Kelly.
He will be sadly missed by his family; one daughter, Christine (Chris) Renner of Cuba, MO; three sons, Tim Kelly, Pat (Tammy) Kelly all of Viburnum, MO and Bob (Amy) Kelly of Leasburg, MO; eleven grandchildren, Anthony (Racheal) Kelly of Viburnum, MO, Jon (Marcia) Kelly of Neosho, MO, Brittany (Matt) Duncan of Viburnum, MO, Cody Umfress of Barnhart, MO, Corey Umfress of Cuba, MO, Andrea Kelly and Bethany Kelly of Leasburg, MO, Drew Renner and Kyle Renner of Cuba, MO, Kevin Kelly and Allison Lee of Batesville, AR; twenty great-grandchildren; one sister, Arvella “Mickey” Horner of Steelville, MO; other relatives; and friends.
The Family received friends from 12:00 Noon until service time at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO
A Celebration of Life was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Terry King officiating. The obituary was read by Pat Kelly. Special music of “Eastern Gate” was sung by Pat Kelly and “Homesick” was sung by Amy Kelly. Two poems were read by Tammy Kelly.
Committal prayer and interment with Full Military Honors By the U.S. Navy, Salem American Legion Post 99, Patriot Guard and the Christian Motorcycle Association in the Viburnum Cemetery (next to First Baptist Church), Viburnum, MO.
Honored to be casket bearers were Anthony Kelly, Jon Kelly, Matt Duncan, Corey Umfress, Cody Umfress, Kevin Kelly and Christopher Horton.
Please observe social distancing of six feet when attending the visitation and/or funeral. You may consider wearing a mask at that time. We thank you for your patience, respect and understanding for the Family and yourselves.
The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew "Andy" Murell Kelly, please visit our floral store.
Family Choice
c/o Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 457, Steelville MO 65565
Tel: 1-573-775-2123
Email: brittonbennett@yahoo.com