Verle L. Kelly, Sr. went to join his Lord and Savior October 20, 2012 at the age of 88. Verle was born January 23, 1924 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. He lived for a short time in Iowa before moving to Topeka, Kansas. He fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Norma Bradley, while attending Topeka High School. They were married in November of 1944.
He served in the Navy during WWII from 1942 to 1945 with an honorable discharge. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while encountering enemy aircraft during the Battle of Leyte Gulf while in the Pacific Theater assigned to the USS St. Louis.
Norma waited for Verle to return to Topeka where they started their family. They had three sons and enjoyed hunting and fishing together. In 1959, Verle and Norma moved the family to Colorado Springs and in 1969 established the Park Hill Optical business. He retired from the business in 1995.
After losing his wife Norma, Verle later married Donna Thomas in 1975 and they joined their two families. Donna and Verle spent 37 wonderful years together and enjoyed many travels and square dancing with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Kelly; his three sons, Verle Kelly Jr., Bill Kelly, and Mike Kelly; step-daughter, Brenda Roy; step-sons, Scott Thomas, Steve Thomas, Mike Thomas and Ed Thomas; and brother-in-law and wife Merle and Ann Bradley. He has twelve grandchildren, Tim and David Kelly, Nicholas and Kristina Roy, Steven, Bryan, and Tammy Thomas, Angela Morelock, Melinda Owens, Ricky Blackwell, Joleen Richter and Jody Thomas. He also has 26 great grandchildren to include Christopher and Shannon Kelly and Hunter Roy of Colorado Springs.
Verle was a hero for his country and to his family. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation with friends and family will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25th from 5-7 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs. Services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel. A reception will be announced.
Donations may be made to the Pikes Peak Hospice, American Diabetes Association, or the American Cancer Society.