Obituary of Warren Kelly

Warren George Kelly, 91, of Arthurdale, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg. He was born in Terra Alta, WV, on January 20, 1921 a son of the late Robert Ray and Mary Cuppett Kelly. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He served in the US Army in 1942 as a member of the 102nd Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. During the invasion of France on August 20, 1944 he was wounded and after several months of being hospitalized in England, he was sent back to the States where he was later awarded the Purple Heart. In July of 1945 he was employed to teach Vocational Agriculture in Masontown High School and continued in that position until November of 1957, at which time he was hired to join the Agricultural Education Facility in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics. Included in his numerous awards were the Distinguished Service to Vocational Agriculture and Future Farmers of America 10-7-83, 1996 WV Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame, 1996 Distinguished Alumnus Award West Virginia University Agriculture and Family Resources Alumni Association and Mountaineer Collegiate FFA Honorary Member. He received his Masters degree from West Virginia University and his Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri. His various memberships included the WV Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association for 39 yrs, National Association of Professional Bureaucrats, Alpha Tau Alpha National Professional Honorary Cultural Education Fraternity, Gideons, Valley District Lions Club and Masontown VFW Post #1589. He was a longtime member of the Masontown United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, a Lay Leader, Trustee and the choir. He is survived by five children and spouses; Linda and Roger Day of Arthurdale, WV, Peggy Kalaf of Port Charlotte, FL, Larry and Debi Kelly of Reedsville, WV, Marcia and Ron Shannon of Morgantown, WV and John Kelly of Arthurdale, WV; ten grandchildren; Monica Centers and husband Dick, Kelly Pashke and husband Nathan, Chris Shannon and wife Tamara, Todd Shannon and wife Kati, Jeremy Kelly, Jason Kelly, Rachelle Salisbury and husband Josh, Nathan Kalaf, Michael Kalaf and Brittney Kelly; nine great grandchildren; Aaron Centers, Megan Centers, Hayden Kelly, Zachary Shannon, Marissa Shannon, Drake Kelly, Alex Salisbury, Quinton Kelly and Paige Shannon, He was preceded in death by his wife Jessie Mae Kelly, one brother Robert Kelly, two sisters; Mary Elizabeth McCrumb and Eveleyn Watson and one son-in-law George Kalaf. Friends may call at the Field Funeral Home in Masontown Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, May 4, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Masontown United Methodist Church with Rev. Sam Starling officiating. Interment will follow in the Arthurdale Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Preston County VFW Honor Guard, WVANG Honor Guard and the Preston County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 977. A special thanks to Hospice Care and his caregivers; Debbie Hawkins, Melissa Boring and Karen Summers for their loving care and devotion. Donations may be made to the Masontown United Methodist Church and Hospice Care Corp. in Arthurdale. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.fieldfuneralhome