| Bio | John Kelling, a longtime resident of Carrollton, Texas, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2011. John was born on September 25, 1944, in Odessa Missouri. John grew up in Kansas City and went to Van Horn High School, and later attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City and received a degree in European History. John was preceded in death by his father John Kelling, Sr., mother Ann Golba, and his beloved sister Mary Jane Reilly. John was very close to Mary Jane growing up as their mother passed away at a young age. John and Mary Jane helped raise each other. John married Marian Pugh in 1965 and had two children, Jeff of Carrollton and Aaron of Philadelphia, who survive him. John was a loving father that really encouraged his sons to excel in life. John was proud of the success of his son's, with Aaron becoming Vice President for a major international company, and Jeff starting his own internet business. John's career consisted of managing major warehouses for companies including HD Lee, Oshmans, and Neiman Marcus. In 2006 he retired from Neiman Marcus with over 20 years of service, leaving not only a company, but a good set of friends. John loved traveling on his own and on trips with his sons. He has been all around the world including much of Europe and Australia. His favorite place to visit was the beautiful seaside areas around Italy and the Amalfi Coast. He frequented Sorrento, and has some beautiful pictures from there that showed why he had been back so many times. In fact, the number of stamps on his passport, required him to have additional pages added. He also enjoyed trading stocks and managing his investments, and it was his favorite hobby. John had a strong spirit and never let the limitations caused by his strokes get the best of him. He stayed active, walking to stay in shape, visiting his friends, attending daily mass at the Catholic Church, and donating his time to help serve food in the church sponsored food kitchens. Catholic services will be held for him with a viewing and rosary to be held at Metrocrest Funeral Home on Sunday, June 5, at 4 p.m. On Monday June 6, a Catholic Mass will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m.
Published in Kansas City Star on June 2, 2011 |
