Funeral Mass for longtime Cortez resident John Thomas "Jack" Kelley will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Father Pat Valdez, C.R. will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Private Interment will take place at Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield, Colo.
A Rosary will be held on Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Jack passed away at his home on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2013, at the age of 79. Jack was born May 28, 1933, in St. Louis, Mo. to John Ambrose and Lavina Elizabeth (Sieferd) Kelley. Jack married Carolyn Ruth Pierce on April 28, 1962, in Albuquerque, N.M. To this union three children were born, Paula, Jeanie and John T.
Jack served his country as a member of the Air Force. He worked for Mountain Bell, was a water well driller in New Mexico, and helped to build the ski runs at Angel Fire. He operated the Sportsman Chevron, and owned and operated Park Street Chevron and Jacco Distributing for many years in Cortez. Jack was a longtime resident of Cortez but lived and ran a business in Bayfield for 22 years as well. Jack was an Elks member. He loved spending time outdoors fishing, camping and hunting. Jack also loved to tinker. Dancing with his wife of 50 years brought Jack much enjoyment.
Surviving Jack are his wife, Carolyn Kelley of Cortez; two daughters, Paula Bair and husband Lyle of Cortez and Jeanie Matthews and husband Dean of Dolores; son, John T. Kelley and wife Jenna of Fruita, Colo.; grandchildren, J.D. Bair, Mariah Bair, Randy Matthews, Kelley Matthews, Becky Kelley, Melissa Kelley, Lane Kelley, and Leia Kelley; one great-grandchild; sister, Carol Loy and husband Danny of California; nephew, R.J. Loy also of California; and brothers-in-law, Ray Pierce and wife Pricillia, Hal Pierce and wife Jan, John Pierce, Richard Pierce and wife Bev, and Mike Pierce and wife Collette.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Kymber Leah Bair; his father-in-law, Gilbert Pierce; and by his mother-in-law, Patricia Pierce.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 701 Camino del Rio, Ste. 32, Durango, CO 81301.
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.