Calling(s)

Tuesday, June 23, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM CrossPointe Family Church of the Nazarene, 205 Highpointe Xing, Kendallville

Wednesday, June 24, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CrossPointe Family Church of the Nazarene, 205 Highpointe Xing, Kendallville

Service

Wednesday, June 24, 2:00 PM CrossPointe Family Church of the Nazarene, 205 Highpointe Xing, Kendallville

Obituary

Robert Dale "Bob" Kelley, 67, of Rome City died Friday, June 19, 2015, at home with his family by his side from complications of Agent Orange. He had melanoma for the last four years.

Bob was born February 16, 1948, in Kendallville to William and Doris (McWilliams) Kelley.

He was a graduate of East Noble High School in 1967. After graduation, he joined the Army and then left for Vietnam, where he was a combat engineer for 30 months in the 9th Infantry Division, Company 595 in South Vietnam.

Once home, he worked at Newnam Foundry for 23 years in quality control.

On August 28, 1984, he married Kelly J. Zimmerman. She survives in rural Rome City. That same year, Bob accepted Christ into his heart which changed his life forever.

He obtained his real estate license in 1985 and was a realtor for 25 years in Noble County. Bob was awarded Who's Who Among Realtors while working at Yuska Realty in 1987.

Also in 1985, he was one of the first employees at the Budd Company hired in management. He worked as a group leader for 11 years. After that, he worked at Evans Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep in Kendallville as a certified salesman for five years. Bob was a security officer for Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville for five years. He also volunteered at Helping Hands for many, many years until he became ill.

He was a very gregarious; people were drawn to him because of his wit and personality. He always had those good comeback lines that made people laugh. People have said he had a magnetic personality, and it was what won his wife's hand in marriage. Bob was always ready to help anyone and had the ability to make you feel you were the only one in the room. He was also very caring and generous, too.

His hobbies were deer and turkey hunting at their cabin in Noble County, where he got a deer every year. Another hobby was going to local auctions where he was a collector of many items.

His travels, that he loved, were going to West Virginia in the summer. As a little boy on a train all alone and sharing a sandwich with the engineer. He would stay with his favorite aunt and uncle, playing on the swinging bridges, fishing and going to his aunt's 5 & Dime to eat candy. He could go all over town to get sundaes, toys and etc. for free, he thought. He resembled "Opie" from Mayberry and the town he visited looked like it, too.

As an adult, he enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and Michigan. And staying at their cabin in the winters.

Bob was a member of the Rome City United Methodist Church.

He was loved by all, and we all are better for knowing him. In years to come, we will share stories and memoris of this truly great guy.

Survivors include his wife of almost 31 years; a family friend, who has stayed with them for 20 years and is like a son, Eric Sebahar; a brother, Dave (Julie) Kelley of LaOtto; and a sister Kelley Donna (Marshall) Sillaway of LaOtto; a nephew, Tim Sillaway of Kendallville; three brothers-in-law, Dean (Chris) Zimmerman of West Point, Rick G. Zimmerman of Hudson, and Gene Zimmerman of Ligonier; an aunt, Bobbi McWilliams of Lampasas, Texas; close cousins, Gary (Jeri) Simpson of Helmer and Peggy Egts of Fort Wayne; many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at 2 p.m. in CrossPointe Family Church of the Nazarene, 205 Highpointe Xing, Kendallville with Pastor Rich Secor officiating. Burial will be in Orange Cemetery, Rome City.

Honor guard services will be provided by Kendallville VFW Post 2749, Rome City American Legion Post 381, Kendallville American Legion Post 86, and active duty members of the U.S. Army.

Calling is Tuesday, June 23, 2015, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services on Wednesday.

Preferred memorials are to Wounded Warrior Project.

Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com