Obituary of James Kenneth Kelley

James Kenneth (Ken) Kelley, age 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Born April 12, 1921, he was the first of six children born to James Augustus and Viola Dolores (Theisen) Kelley of Carleton. Ken grew up on the Kelley homestead farm, first established in 1835, while Michigan was still a territory. He went to the nearby one-room schoolhouse (the Kelley School) during his early elementary school years. Later, he attended the Hall of Divine Child Military Academy, in Monroe, MI, and graduated from Monroe High School in 1938. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) and pursued his Master of Science degree at the University of Michigan. As an undergraduate, during WWII, he enlisted in the United States Navy, was commissioned as a Lieutenant, and received additional education at Alma College, MI, where he met his future wife, Annabell Bruce; Notre Dame University, Indiana; and the Annapolis Naval Academy, Maryland, before serving in Alaska. Later, during the Korean War, he served as an Areological Officer and was deployed on the USS Cabot. Ken began his civilian career as a Chemistry Instructor at Eastern Michigan University. Subsequently, he joined the Research Department at the Detroit Edison Company (DTE Energy), where he worked for more than 35 years as a Principal Chemical Engineer. While employed by Detroit Edison, he developed several patents and was honored as a two-time recipient of the Alex Dow Award, which recognizes Edison employees for outstanding achievement. Ken had a strong interest in civic affairs. He served two-terms as a school board member with Airport Community Schools and was a committed advocate for the environment and the preservation of green space. He successfully campaigned against several commercial interests threatening to alter the inherently rural nature of his community. He was a life-long member of St. Patrick’s/Divine Grace Catholic Parish, where his great grandfather, Owen Kelly, an immigrant from Ireland and one of the early settlers of Ash Township, had donated logs from his farm for the original log cabin church. On April 8, 1947, Ken married his beloved wife of 65 years, Annabell Bruce, in Saginaw, MI. They initially made their home in Ypsilanti, later moving back to the family homestead in Carleton as their family grew. Ken was a kind, humble, devout, hard-working, and gentle man. Always economic with words, he possessed a subtle wit, a generous spirit, and a sentimental soul. His range of interests was varied and broad, from history and biographies and Bridge to politics and classical music, golf, University of Michigan football, the Detroit Tigers, and, always his number one priority, his family. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Annabell, in 2012; two sons, Bruce Patrick and Kenneth Michael; his parents; two brothers, Bryce Joseph and James Augustus, Jr.; and two sons-in law, Mark H. Giles and Dennis R. Schafer. Survivors include four daughters: Diane K. Giles of Brooklyn, New York; Ann M. Kelley (Ted Brumm) of Ann Arbor; Teresa M. Kelley (Benn Bukovac) of Ypsilanti; and Patricia K. Schafer of Pearl River, Louisiana ; five grandchildren, including his treasured Brendan; three sisters; and several nieces and nephews. A private family funeral was held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Services, Inc., Monroe. Father Steven Mateja, of Divine Grace Catholic Parish officiated. James Kenneth Kelley was interred at St. Patrick Cemetery. His family wishes to express deep gratitude to Arbor Hospice of Michigan for their unfailing support. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of one’s choice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com