William A. "Bill" Kelly

William Aaron “Bill” Kelly, 99, of Independence passed away peacefully in his home on April 10, 2022. He was born on May 16, 1922 in Willow Springs, Missouri, the youngest of 12 children of Charles Hugh Kelly and Alma Grace (Osborn) Kelly. Bill graduated from Seymour Missouri High School in 1941.

Bill served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946, including time spent as a flight instructor with a specialization in aerial photography. After concluding his service, Bill earned his engineering degree from Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla. Upon finishing college, Bill worked for 37 years at the Bendix Corporation (later known as Allied Signal and, currently, Honeywell) until his retirement in 1987.

Bill was a man of many talents and hobbies, able to build just about everything out of just about anything. He built the home in which he and his family lived for over 70 years and fully restored five antique Ford cars — primarily Model Ts, including a 1912.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, June L. Kelly, his parents, his 11 siblings, a grand-daughter, Andrea Rebecca Kelly and a great-grandaughter, Alenah June Kelly. He is survived by his son, Ronald, and daughter-in-law, Connie Kelly, of Independence, his grandchildren, David (Sara) Kelly of Grain Valley, Debi (Scotty) Moon of Independence, Timothy (Anna) Kelly of Independence, and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Pleasant Grove Bible Church, 4916 Lee’s Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64136. Attendees are advised to dress comfortably and casually for a brief time of remembrance and celebration of Bill’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the church in Bill’s name.