Robert Eugene Kelly

Robert Eugene Kelly of Marion, Kansas passed away on Sunday December 3, 2023, at the age of 87 at his home.  He was born on May 21, 1936, to Joseph and Helen (Meirowsky) Kelly in McPherson, Kansas.  He grew up in Florence, Kansas, attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School and graduated in 1954 from Florence High School.  He married Donna Ehrlich on July 1, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Florence.  They had two children, Patrick Joseph, and Sherri Marie.  Bob was a carpenter and contractor, having his own business, Kelly Construction, for over forty years in Marion.  He learned at an early age the importance of hard work, pride in what you do, and treating people with fairness and respect.  His love of working with wood shows in one of his last projects, the building and finishing of the altar and lectern for the renovation of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Marion in 2008.  He had been an active member of the church since moving to Marion in 1961, serving on the building and grounds committee for nine years, was always a willing volunteer, and a member of the Knight of Columbus.  His church and faith were very important to him throughout his entire life.  Bob loved sports and being outdoors.  He played sports in school and added bowling when he moved to Marion.  Fishing, hunting, sport shooting, deer hunting with a bow or rifle or just walking through the woods at his farm brought him much enjoyment.  He coached and sponsored youth baseball, was a member of the Marion Athletic Association, head of the Marion Trap Shooters, served on the Marion City Planning Commission, and Hilltop Authority Board.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack and Jim Kelly, sisters Ruth Kelly and Dorothy Herzet, son Patrick Kelly, daughter Sherri Kelly Druse, and granddaughter Danielle Druse.  Bob is survived by his wife Donna of 68 years, grandsons Christopher Druse and Joshua Druse of Melbourne, FL, Evan (Ashley) Kelly of Shelbyville, MO, Ryan (Brittany) Kelly of Edina, MO; great grandchildren Saxon Scherer, Sam, Ruthie, and Meredith Kelly, and Bradly and Brennett Kelly; special nieces and relatives.  Bob loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and family.  He had many friends and will be greatly missed.  Rosary prayers will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday December 7, 2023, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Marion followed by his funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Bob will be laid to rest in Marion Cemetery.  Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Marion is serving the family.  Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be directed to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Marion.  Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Bob at www.yazelmeglifh.com.