John Kelly, Jr.

John Kelly, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 21, 2013 in Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas. He was born August 08, 1924 in Preston, Franklin County, Idaho, to John Kelly and Henrietta Smith Kelly. John served in World War II and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge in France and Belgium, returning to the United States after the was to pursue his college education. John received his Bachelor of Science degree from Idaho State College, a Master's of Science degree from the University of Chicago, and his PhD from Stanford University. He was employed as a research scientist for 28 years with Mobil Research and Development in Dallas, Texas, traveling the world to work with foreign industries and governments. He also served as Chairman of the Southwest District of the American Petroleum Institute in Texas. After retirement in 1983, John moved to Brigham City, Utah. While there, he served as a Member of the Brigham City Library Board, Chairman of the Brigham City Library Board, President of Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Brigham City Beautification Committee. He returned to Texas in 2008. John married Doris Smith of Sugar City, Idaho on August 02, 1948. Doris passed away in 1968. He married Geraldine (Jerry) Spradlin on August 08, 1969. Jerry passed away on April 17, 2013. John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Henrietta Kelly, his son, Bradford John Kelly; half-brothers George Hobbs and Richard Hobbs; and half-sisters Rita Bowles and Laura Richards. John is survived by his sister, Ann (John Dunbar) of Hermitage, Missouri, and Dean Kelly (Darlene, deceased) of Yuba City, California; six of his seven children: Richard Dean Kelly (Elynn); Laura (Mark) Arrington; Jeffrey David Kelly, Charlotte Ann (Steve Wayne) Kennedy; Sandra Kay ( James Ronald) Burnett; Jan Kelly Farzan Panah; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John was extremely active in his Church and was the first Stake President of the newly-formed Fort Worth Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1968. He served in many callings in the Church, including High Priest Councilor in Texas and Utah, Branch President, Bishop, High Priest Group Leader, Stake Sunday School President, Stake Missionary President, Stake Missionary and many others. Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints on Brown Street with Bishop Jeff Anderson officiating. Services will also be held on Friday, October 04, 2013 at 11:00 AM with a 10:00 AM Viewing will be at Myers Mortuary in Brigham City, Utah. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, September 27, 2013 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie.

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