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1930 Robert "Bob" Francis Kelly 2025

Robert F. Kelly

December 16, 1930 — April 15, 2025

Rockford

Robert "Bob" Kelly was born on December 16, 1930, in Amboy, Illinois, the son of James and Irene (McBride) Kelly. He graduated from Amboy High School and enrolled in Art School in Chicago. He decided that art was not something he wanted to pursue and took a secretarial class. Having been in the Army Reserves, he enlisted in August 1954 and served until August 1956. He served in the Army Counterintelligence at the rank of a Sergeant. He was hired by Santa Fe Railroad in Chicago, where he met his wife, Mary Ann Findlay and they married in 1963. They moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1976 and Bob continuted to work as Superintendent of Car Services until his retirememnt in December of 1988. After retirement, Bob and Mary Ann served as docents for the Topeka Zoo and Bob would give tours at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka. 

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Kelly; brother-in-law, William Findlay; sister-in-law, Karen Findlay; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob will be cremated according to his wishes and a service will be announced at a later date. Private burial in St. Patrick Cemetery in Amboy, Illinois. 

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