Jack Kelsey

Winton D. “Jack” Kelsey, age 89, of Mindenmines, Missouri, passed away Friday, June 3, 2016, with family by his side at his home.      Jack was born May 19, 1927, in Mindenmines, to Elmer and Stella (Applegate) Kelsey.  He graduated from high school and entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific during World War II.  After completing his tour of duty in the Navy, Jack joined the Army Reserves and was called to active duty in Korea in 1950.  Patriotic and loyal throughout his life, he was active in the Jasper VFW Post 6415, American Legion, and Pittsburg Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders.      Returning to civilian life August 31, 1951, Jack began a career in HVAC, living in Pittsburg and working in the physical plant at Pitt State for many years. As an avid biker, Jack was a life-time H.O.G. member and enjoyed the fellowship of the Scooter Boosters and R.O.M.E.O. riders.  He was a talented artist, crafting wood sculpture art for family and friends.  Jack was a green-thumb gardener who had raised vegetables to share and enjoyed working in his lawn and flower beds.  He was a member of Mindenmines Christian Church and had attended First Christian Church of Lamar.  In later years, Jack made many lasting friendships over lunch and activities at Barton County Senior Center.       Preceding Jack in death were his parents; two wives, Billie (Harris) Kelsey, who was the mother of his five children, and Cecile (McNally) Kelsey; longtime friend, Rita Wilson; brother, Bud Kelsey; sister, Mable Letton; and two granddaughters, Megan and Barbara Kelsey.      Survivors include his loving companion, Donna Letton; two sons, Jack (Robbie) Kelsey, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Kevin (Marty) Kelsey, Golden City, Missouri; three daughters, Jonni (Bob) Ottesen, Olathe, Kansas, Connie (Wayne) Taylor, Johnston, Iowa, and Kim Kelsey, Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Maxine Chesnut, Lamar; nine grandchildren, Melanie Bates, Dustin Ottesen, Monty Taylor, Derek Ottesen, Christian Kelsey, Jessi Smith, and Cody Smith; nine great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; a large extended family; and a host of friends.      A memorial service including full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7th at Daniel Funeral Home.      The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Barton County Senior Center or Three Rivers Hospice in care of the funeral home.