DeRollo Tirus Kelly

GALVA – DeRollo Tirus Kelly, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2018 with his wife of 63 years by his side.

DeRollo was born February 27, 1929 in Galva to Tirus “Ty” and Pearl Kelly. He was welcomed home by a sister, Berenice and his two brothers, Russell and Loyal. They preceded him in death. Another brother, Keith, passed before DeRollo was born. On April 17, 1955 he married Marilyn E. Bartz at St. Peter’s Evangelical Church UCC in Kewanee. Marilyn survives, as does his three sons, Kim (Pam) Kelly, Mark (Rochelle) Kelly and Tom (Karen) Kelly. He is also survived by grandchildren; Jeremiah, Hilary, Kirsten, Seth, Sierra, Rebecca and William and his great grandchildren; Miah, Willow, Piper, Kelly and Beckham.

DeRollo’s life was one centered around family, work and service. While a student at Galva High School, he was employed at the Galva News arising early each morning to go to work before starting his school day and then returning to work once the school day was done. After graduating from GHS in 1947 he continued to work at the Galva News until joining the Army serving in Germany during the Korean War. After his service to our country, he returned to Galva and worked as a shipping clerk at Lily Tulip until its closing. He then joined the staff at the Galva School District serving as grade school janitor until his retirement in 1992. For over 40 years he also served as church custodian at the First United Methodist Church in Galva where he was a lifelong member. He was also a member of several organizations. During his young adult years, he was a drummer in the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corp. He was a proud member of the Galva Odd Fellows serving as Grand Noble, the Galva Masonic Lodge, serving as Master, the Galva Manx Society and the Galva American Legion.

He was a talented artist leaving his contributions in the murals painted inside his church and in his beautiful colorings treasured by his family. He loved to travel, and he and Marilyn took many adventures spending their time camping and enjoying the country he loved. He enjoyed bowling and was known to pitch a wicked game of horseshoes. He will be missed but will live on through those who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 16 at the First United Methodist Church in Galva. Rev. Tricia Chapman will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 15 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Masonic rites at 6:45 p.m. Burial will be in Galva Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Galva Fusiliers. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church or to the Galva Senior Citizens Center.

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