David Harrold Kelley

David Harrold Kelley, 79, longtime resident of Galt, Missouri, passed away at 10:04 a.m., on Wednesday December 29, 2021. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 3, 2021 at Slater Neal Funeral Home in Trenton.  Burial will follow in Galt East Cemetery.  Open viewing will be from noon until 6:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Galt East Cemetery and left or mailed to the funeral home.

He was born in Rudd, Arkansas on May 12, 1942, to John Lawrence and Edith (Rockhold) Kelley one of ten children. He and his family later moved to north Missouri where he stayed most of his adult life. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1960 and served 4 years in the Air Force working with missiles.  He did a tour in Vietnam where he became a decorated veteran for his service there. 

He was united in marriage to Laura Lee Tunnell on June 24, 1963. To this union, four children were born. David's greatest joys were his grandchildren. He even became a great grandpa. He was even better at this role and enjoyed it even more.

David thoroughly enjoyed trucking. He drove a semi coast to coast for over 40 years. He was especially proud of getting his 200 Million Mile Safety Award. He loved trucking and sharing that love with Laura Lee and his grandchildren. He took them on trips individually each summer along with his Boston terrier, Susie. There wasn't an interstate or highway he didn't know and could always give you directions before GPS, even without a map. He later drove a bus for the Grundy R-V School District. He really enjoyed seeing the kids and driving them each day. He always had such joy and good stories to share with us when he came home for the day. 

He also always enjoyed decorating his yard at Christmas time. He would put up tons of lights and inflate-able decorations with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. People from town always enjoyed coming to see his display.  He never knew a stranger and always enjoyed visiting with people wherever he went. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends for his laughter, kindness, and cheerful conversations. 

David was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Florence Smith, Mary Rhodes, and Dollye Richardson, Frances Beith . Brothers, Tom Kelley andDan Kelley. And Grandsons, Joshua Tucker and Delbert Turley

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura Lee of the home, children: Patty Turley and husband, George of Maryville,  Harold Kelley of Galt, Linda Dillon and husband Chance of Trenton, and Sandy Olson and husband Randy of Meadville. Sister Gladys Hogan of San Antonio, TX, brothers Dale Kelley of Keller TX, and Ray Kelley of Seattle, WA, 5 grandchildren: Kali McCrary and husband Nathan of Gilman City, Krystal Derickson and husband Cory of Chillicothe, David Olson of Liberty, Casey Turley of Maryville, and Ashlee Olson of Meadvile. And 6 great grandchildren: Kainsley and Brycen McCrary, Jennifer Bannan, Dennis and Odin Derrickson, and Bella Olson. 

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