William "Bill" C. Kelsey

William C. ‘Bill’ Kelsey, age 96, formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, IN, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Mr. Kelsey was born on June 27, 1928, in Reynoldsville, PA, to the late Leon and Viola (Vivian) Kelsey. Mr. Kelsey’s first marriage was to Vivian C. Bodey on June 21, 1946, his second marriage was to Mary Ann Ronan on February 2, 1969.  She preceded him in death on August 3, 1994.  His third marriage was to Rena Sue Woods on January 11, 1999.  She preceded him in death on June 3, 2020.

Mr. Kelsey was a welder with the Erie Railroad and had also worked at  American Hoist & Derrick. He was a member of the Huntington City Church of the Brethren, the YMCA and Norwood Golf Club. He was very active and golfed well into his 90’s.

Bill is survived by two sons, Charles (Vicki) L. Kelsey, Roanoke, IN, Cary D. (Betty) Kelsey, Goshen, IN; four daughters, Shirley M. (Charles) Fox, Avon, IN, Mary S. (Dan) Riccius, North Manchester, IN, Sharon K. Lee, North Manchester, IN, and Amy L. (Bob) Blake, Vincennes, IN.  Mr. Kelsey is also survived by four step-sons, Kenny Goodman, Waynesville, NC, Kevin (Linda) Goodnight, Huntington, IN, Michael Carr, Hot Springs, AR, Randel Carr, Pierceton, IN; and four step-daughters, Kathleen A. Smith, Huntington, IN, Karin S. (Tom) Fulkerson, Bloomington, IN, Karol M. (Michael) Bonine, Bloomington, IN, and Kelly C. (life partner, Tony Davis) Bates, Ketchikan, AK.

Mr. Kelsey is also survived by two brothers, Ralph (Martha) Kelsey and Terry (Pat) Kelsey, both of Huntington, IN; one sister, Rose (George) Holtrey, Huntington, IN; and 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and many step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents and wives he was preceded in death by one son, Larry Allen Kelsey; two daughters, Charlotte Paulus, Viola Moore; one stepson, William Carr; and one step grandson, Alex Rice.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m., at McElhaney Funeral Home 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.  Services will be officiated by his son-in-law, Pastor Dan Riccius.

A private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Huntington County Humane Society in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is honored to serve the Kelsey Family. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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