Dudley Kenneth Kelso, Sr., 94, died Sunday, August 16, 2015, at Sanctuary Hospice House surrounded by family.
Dudley, a resident of Lee County, was a retired farmer. In his later years, he enjoyed growing a large vegetable garden. During World War II, he served in the Pacific theater as a B-24 radio operator and waist gunner and achieved the rank of staff sergeant in the Army Air Force.
Dudley was a Lee County Farm Bureau director and also served two terms as a state director. He was an active member of Shiloh United Methodist church and served in various capacities, including many years as Building Fund Treasurer. He took pride in the church’s memorial stained glass windows, a project he initiated.
One of Dudley’s greatest joys was his family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Faye; daughters, Linda Senter (Tom) and Janice Garrett; and sons, Dudley Kenneth, Jr., (Joy) and Hugh (Donna). His sister-in-law Patty Holley Buse (Jerry) was like a daughter to him. His grandchildren are Melissa Senter Nance (Grady), Elizabeth Senter Russell (John), Kenneth Garrett (Jennie), Jill Garrett Clark (Chris), Daniel Garrett, Anna Garrett Jackson (Jay), Katie Kelso Harlow (Trey), Dudley Kenneth Kelso III (Jessica), Max Kelso, Barrett Renner, and Megan O’Mara. Other survivors include a brother-in-law, Joe Moore (Lois); 15 great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dudley was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Modena Kelso; brother Hurlus and his wife Charlene; brother Winston; and sister Nell Tigner and her husband Eddie.
Dudley’s grandsons and grandsons-in-law will be pallbearers.
Visitation will be held at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 18.
Dudley’s life will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Shiloh United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from noon until service time. Burial will be in the Center Star Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House or to a favorite charity.
