Freeport-Harold J. Kelly, 81, of Freeport, died Thursday, September 7, 2006, at FHN Memorial Hospital.
Born April 15, 1925 in Harmon, Illinois he was the son of Emmett and JoHannah (Danekas) Kelly. He married Helen Allen September 12, 1945 in Casper Wyoming.
Harold owned and operated Paneling Unlimited in Freeport. He was a certified welder and plant foreman in Polo at Imeco.
He served in the US Navy June 1942 thru December 1945.
His memberships include Milledgeville Brethren Church, Armed Guard WWII Veterans, the Polo VFW where he was district Voice of Democracy Chairman for 16 years, Americanism Chairman State of Illinois, and the American Legion.
His interest's included his huge Big Band record collection, dancing, card playing, and driving limousine for Mark V in Freeport.
Surviving is his wife, Helen of Freeport; his daughters, Mickey (James) Jewell of Freeport, Joann Shafer of Great Falls, Montana, Catherine Kelly and Rosanne Kelly both of Schaumburg, Illinois, his son, Mark (Caralee) of Schaumburg, Illinois; sister in-laws, Villetta Brundage of El Paso, TX and Ann (Bob) Millhouse of Polo; and his brother-in-law, Orville (Jean) Allen of Sequim, Washington; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and 1 step great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be Sunday 1:30 p.m. at Walker Mortuary with Reverend Kurt Strong of Freeport Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
Visitation will be Saturday 4 to 7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.
Harold's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.