Herbert Kelley

Obituary of Herbert Lawrence Kelley Houghton Herbert L. Kelley, 89, a former resident of Norton Shores, MI, and presently a resident of the Bluffs Senior Living Community in Houghton, passed away Friday evening February 8, 2008, at the Omega House in Houghton shortly after being admitted. Mr. Kelley was born on December 12, 1918, in Muskegon Heights, MI, a son of the late Lyle and Nellie (Riddle) Kelley. He graduated from the Muskegon Heights High School. Mr. Kelley was a life long resident of the Muskegon area until moving to Houghton in April of 2007. He was a veteran having served with the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, as a B-29 pilot, where he flew 30 missions over Tokyo; receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. On September 14, 1944, he was united in marriage to the former Wava Kathleen Page at Salina, KS. Herbert was a devoted husband who cared for his wife for the last 30 years of their 56-year marriage after an accident left her wheelchair bound. Mr. Kelley had been a partner in Muskegon Tile & Floor Covering in Muskegon until his retirement in 1980. Herbert's love of flying began when he received his pilot's license at the age of 16. Herbert flew 5 of his own home-built airplanes and was a charter member of Chapter 211 of the Experimental Aircraft Association at Grand Haven, MI. Countless hours were spent working on his airplane projects in his garage at his Little Black Lake home. Preceding him in death where his wife, parents, and one brother, Donald. Surviving are: His son: Thomas (Ruth) Kelley of Pelkie, MI His granddaughter: Jennifer (Mike) Mattson of Greenville, WI His sister: Norma Goetsch of Grand Rapids, MI Several nieces, nephews, and cousins Private services for Herbert will be held later this spring at the Mona View Cemetery of Muskegon Heights, MI. To view Herbert's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Herbert Kelley, please visit Tribute Store