Submited by: Dan Rich

Harry R. Kelsey

Oct. 15, 1919 - Nov. 1, 2002

South Bend Tribune 11/20/2002

Mr. Harry Ray Kelsey, 83, of Temple, Texas, died in his residence on Friday, Nov. 1, 2002.

Harry was born in Lake Gage, Ind., on Oct. 15, 1919. In 1921, he and his family moved to South Bend, Ind. In 1934 Harry was in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Boville, Idaho. In 1939 Harry graduated from Central High School in South Bend. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was employed for five years with Dick Sult Water Well Drilling Service. He was employed for 31 years with Snellenberger Water Well Drilling Service. He was also employed for five years at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Forever Learning Institute in South Bend. Prior to moving to Temple in 1999, he had lived most of his life in South Bend.

He married Martha Whitman on June 15, 1941. She preceded him in death on Jan. 3, 1980. He married Elizabeth "Betty" McPherson Francis on March 28, 1981. While in South Bend he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church from 1920 to 1999 where he served in various ways including deacon, trustee, superintendent of Sunday school, and Sunday school teacher. After retiring, he was a volunteer at World Missionary Press in New Paris, Ind. He served as a volunteer on four mission trips to Taiwan, and he started a monthly ministry to senior adults.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Kelsey of Temple; two sons, David Ray Kelsey of Granger, Ind., and Timothy Earl Kelsey of Cedar Lake, Ind.; one daughter, Judith Ann Collins of Ashland City, Tenn.; one stepson, Jerry Don Francis of Dayton, Ohio; one sister, Louise Dilts of South Bend; and by 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Kelsey, who died at 18 months; and by a brother, Willard Albert Kelsey of Kissimmee, Fla., who died in October 2002. Harry donated his body to Parkinson's research.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Mission Fund of Calvary Baptist Church in South Bend. Heartfield Funeral Home in Belton, Texas, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial services for Harry Ray Kelsey will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11:30 a.m. in the Calvary Baptist Church, South Bend, with Reverend David Jenkins officiating.