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Photo of Robert T. Kelly

Robert T. Kelly

10/28/1918 - 1/15/2007


Obituary


Robert T. Kelly, 88, of Britt passed away Monday, January 15, 2007 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

Robert Terrance Kelly, son of Frank V. Kelly and Ella (Mullin) Kelly, was born October 28, 1918 on a farm southwest of Britt, Iowa.  He was educated the first five years in the rural schools of Hancock County.  Later, the family moved to a farm in Britt township.  So his later schooling was completed in the Britt Public Schools, graduating in 1936.  After graduation, he worked on the family farm for two years before attending Iowa State College graduating with a degree in General Engineering.  In 1942, he started working for Glen L. Martin in Omaha where they were building the B-26 airplanes.  In 1943, he transferred to Seattle as a Liaison Engineer between Glen L. Martin and Boeing for the manufacture of B-29 bombers.   In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve as an Ensign.  The War ended in 1945 and he was discharged from the Navy as a Second Lieutenant.

On January 3, 1946 he was married to Evangeline Cruise at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt.  He went to Indianapolis where he worked for twenty years for Factory Insurance Co. as a Fire Protection Engineer.  During this time, he also received his Master's degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Upon the receipt of his Master's degree, he elected to join the staff at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio in the same capacity.  Three years later, he went to St. Paul to work for 3M Company.  After thirteen years, he retired and moved back to Britt.

He was an active member of the Knight's of Columbus; the National Fire Protection Association, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Society of Certificated Safety Engineers, the Britt Historical Society, and the Britt Library Board.  Upon his return to Britt, he volunteered to be the area Weatherman with the assistance of Bernard Kunkel.

Survivors include his wife Evangeline; two daughters: Elizabeth (Ken) Gigax and Paula Kelly.  He is also survived by his three sisters: Arlene McDermott, Rose Mary Stevermer and Teresa Rottinghaus; and one brother Paul (Marlys) Kelly.  In addition, he is survived by two sisters-in-law: Bonnie Kelly and Noreen Kelly.  He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Joseph and Francis.

After his retirement, Bob was able to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies - traveling.  He and his wife spent many years enjoying tours and spending the winter in Arizona, Texas and California.