Richard B. Kelley

Richard Burgess Kelley, 82, of Independence, MO, passed away on August 18, 2022. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00pm on Thursday, August 25th at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St.; Independence, MO 64055. A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 9:00am on Friday, August 26th at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.

Richard was born on January 30, 1940, in Kansas City, MO to Edward and Elizabeth (Burgess) Kelley. He retired as a Staff Sargent EOD Specialist in the United States Marine Corps, receiving the highest ranking as 5th Marine. He served multiple tours in Vietnam, and with the US Army during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning a total of 4 Bronze Stars over the span of his career. He also was an assistant scout leader and Honorary Warrior of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Richard was a man of strong values, loved debating, enjoyed bird watching and had quite the sweet tooth. More than anything, he loved going to the casinos with Constance.

Richard leaves behind his children; Richard “Rick Kelley (Jill) of Overland Park, KS, Warren Douglas “Doug” Kelley (Shelly) of Springfield, MO, and Priscilla Ansell Grizzoffi (Jason) of Kansas City, MO; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Martha Eshnaur, Butch (MaryAnn) Kelley, Howard (Anna) Kelley, and Robert Kelley; sister-in-law, Kate Kelley; and aunt, Lorene Kelley Dickinson.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his beloved wife Constance Kovar Kelley; daughter Larrissa Kelley; and brother, Edward Kelley, Jr.