FUNERAL HOME

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th

Lawrence, Kansas

Earl Kelley Obituary

12.24.1932 – 8.13.2016

Earl 'Al' Allen Kelley passed in peace on August 13, 2016 at the age of 83 after a celebrated life well-lived.

Al was born December 24, 1932 in Dearing, Kansas, the son of Frank and Bertice (McColm) Kelley. He married his beloved Barbara 'Barb' Ann Hampton on April 10, 1955 in Oskaloosa, KS. She survives of the home. Other survivors include: a daughter, Kirsten Reecy of Tremont, Il; two sons: Allen Kelley and his wife Janet of Lawrence, KS, and Jeff Kelley of Portland, Oregon. Al also leaves behind one sister, Mavis Clark of Grandview Missouri, one brother, Larry Kelley of Peoria, IL, 11 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dean Kelley.

Al attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He played men's basketball for the Jayhawks on the freshman squad in 1951, and the varsity squad from 1952-1954. He was a member of the 1952 team that won the NCAA National Championship. At Kansas Al made All-Big Seven in 1953 & 1954. In 1953 he was initiated into the Sachem chapter of the Omicron Delta Kappa fraternity. In the 1954 season, he led the Jayhawks in free throw shooting with 86.2 percent, which at the time ranked second in the nation. That same year he participated in the East-West All-Star game. Al then joined Caterpillar's college graduate training program and played for its AAU team. Caterpillar traveled to Rio de Janeiro in 1954, where it won the All-World Championship. For two years (1956 & 1957), Al served in the US Air Force. While with the Air Force AAU team in 1957, he won the AAU National Championship in Denver, CO. He repeated the feat in 1958 after rejoining Caterpillar's team. In 1960, Al was selected to play for the United States Olympic Team after Caterpillar fell to the College All-Stars in the playoff game. The Olympic team went on to win the gold medal in Rome. His favorite memories of the Olympic experience were watching an 18 year old Cassius Clay dominate the boxing scene, and of the American Flag being raised while our National Anthem played during the presentation ceremony. In 1984 Al was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame. In 1985 he was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. Al worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for four and a half decades. He retired in 1999 as the manager of the parts department at the Denver Plant after a career that spanned almost as many accolades (and relocations, the family recounts) as years. Al was elected to the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2010 he was elected to the National Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts as a member of the 1960 Olympic team. In 2013 he was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Al will be fondly remembered by family and friends in many ways: As a loving and devoted husband to Barb, and as an inspiring and adoring Patriarch to his children and grandchildren. As an admired and loyal friend. As a proud patriot and Air Force Veteran. As a gold medal Olympian, and a member of the 1952 KU champion basketball team. As a shining example of the benefits of hard work and perseverance. His character framed his accomplishments beautifully. He often said, 'I'm a Kansan by birth, but a Jayhawk by the Grace of God!'

God Speed & Rock Chalk, Al. There's no place like home..



'Far above the distant humming of the busy town, reared against the dome of heaven. Looks s[he] proudly down.'

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Earl Allen 'Al' Kelley at the Adams Alumni Center (1266 Oread Avenue, Lawrence KS~ KU Campus) on Saturday, August 27th from 2-5 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Al's name to KU Endowment or Grace Hospice, and sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent to: warrenmcelwain.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Aug. 15 to Aug. 25, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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We will always have fond memories of the "Kelley" boys and their families. Thank you so much for your friendship. Our prayers go with your families.

Vernon and Barbara Egbert

August 27, 2016

Allen and Dean were true heroes to those of us who followed them at McCune High School. They had great careers both in and out of sports and served their country as well.

Alan Hobson

August 21, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Al was a team mate and best friend at McCune,Ks.Sorry could not make it to the memorial.

Ray Shaffer

August 20, 2016

Thank you for your service, sir and your warm friendship with your fellow CAT employees.

Benny Frank

August 20, 2016

From the time Paula and I arrived in Lawrence back in 1994 till the last time I saw Al I have cherished the friendship that we have had with him, Barb and family! Al and I had a lot in common and we talked about our days in Illinois a lot. My first dealership opportunity was in Decatur from 1979 until we moved back to Kansas in 1991 and I sold the deals in Illinois in 1997! Whether we were sitting in the customer lounge, at a KU game, or at Salute with Cottonwood, Al was always wanting to talk about us and how we were doing! I have missed him and continue to miss him in the Crown lounge and his willingness to catch up from time to time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and your Family.
Our best,
Miles and Paula Schnaer, and your friends at Crown!!

Miles Schnaer

August 18, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss, Al was a great friend. We enjoyed getting together at all the '52 reunions. Wayne and Carol Louderback, Melissa Dillon

August 17, 2016

So sorry for your loss, may the family find comfort @ Issiah 25:8,AJ

August 17, 2016

Al was my supervisor at Caterpillar Morton Parts in 1988-1989. I have many fond memories of him as a boss and a friend. Rest in Peace, Al.


Jacquie Rummel Cline

August 17, 2016

"Here comes Allen, here comes Dean, here( comes Thomas and the rest of the team."

August 17, 2016

It was an honor having a chance to spend time with you It was great to listen to all the basketball history you shared with former and current KU basketball players
Sincerely,
Isaac "Bud" Stallworth

Isaac Stallworth

August 16, 2016

Thank you for your service.

August 16, 2016

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Memorial Events
for Earl Kelley

Aug

27

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adams Alumni Center

1266 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, KS

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

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