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Thomas Craig Kelley
March 20, 1956 - May 5, 2008
Thomas Craig Kelley, age 52, of Allen, Texas, passed away May 5, 2008 in McKinney, Texas. He was born March 20, 1956,
in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of James A. and Kathleen (Goetz) Kelley. On January 10, 1981, he married Laurie A’Hearn in
Columbia, Missouri. Tom graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Although his
education was in civil engineering, Tom was a jack of all trades and it seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do. He is survived
by his wife of twenty-seven years, Laurie; children, Justin Kelley and his fiance, Trish Harjes of Allen, Texas and Stuart Kelley of
Allen, Texas; mother, Kathleen Kelley of Ballwin, Missouri; brother, Mark Kelley and his wife, Joan of Denver, Colorado; sister,
Diane Kelley of St. Louis, Missouri; cousin, Al Kelley of Arcadia, California; and the family pet, Jet. He was preceded in death
by his father. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel with Dr.
Mark Forrest officiating. The family will receive friends during a visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening from 7:00 to
9:00 PM.
Memorials
Laurie, Stuart, Justin, I just heard last night of Tom's passing. I am troubled
and shocked to hear of the news. My deepest sympathies are with you and the
entire family. Tom was a great man. I remember living down the street from
you in in Allen. Tom was one to help you in any way he could. I remember the
time he helped me repair my roof shingles after a storm. He brought all his
gear down there and up on the roof. I also remember the night we moved and
the family came down to say goodbye. He will be missed! A remarkable man!
Tim, Mickey, Timmy, Patrick Banigan Austin, Tx
TIM BANIGAN, JUNE 3, 2008
I will remember Tom as a great co-worker and friend. He loved life and his
family was number one in his life. He will be dearly missed by all that knew
him.
BILL T ROBERGE, MAY 9, 2008
Laurie, Stuart, and Justin: First of all, I want to say I love all three of you, you
are all certainly family to me. Stuart, You have been my best friend since I was
four years old and have been there to support everything I do, I love you man.
Justin, You and I have always shared a common interest in many things, and I
see you as a big brother, love ya. Laurie, You and Tom are certainly parents to
me. No doubt about it. You both have taught me some of the most important
things in my life, and I owe a vast amount of my success to both of you. I
always tell everyone stories of Tom always waking me at 3 a.m. when I was
young and spending the night; He would give me a cup of coffee and sit me
outside and teach me anything he had on his mind. I learned how to handle
finances, how to be patient, about electrical theory, the stock market, and to
always measure twice and cut once. He was a truly selfless man who wanted
nothing more than happiness and success for his wife and children. The
memory of Tom always bring a smile to my face, because I will always
remember him as a teacher, a mentor, but foremost as a Father to me.
EVAN HUNTER JARCY, MAY 9, 2008
Tom was one of a kind, no doubt. I am grateful beyond belief that he took my
son Evan under his wing at such an important time in Evan's life. He taught
Evan how to be a man that others respected by his example. He was a great
influence in how Evan would approach and overcome obstacles. Tom's sense
of humor was wickedly funny and could take it just as good as he dished it out.
Tom would pop up out of nowhere, it seemed, whenever I was out and about
running errands.I will always remember standing in the kitchen as he
passionately urged me to "make sure that Evan goes to college!!" Tom was a
kind, caring man and we will carry him in our hearts always. We will also
always try to slide the word "dilk" into any Scrabble game.
MARY JARCY, MAY 9, 2008
It was 1979 in Columbia MO when I met Tom. Jim and I lived near Laurie and
her sister Colleen. Tom would meet Laurie for a date...and ..as usual, Laurie
was not ready...and wouldn't be for another 2 hrs.....which was exactly enough
time for Tom to come over to our place for a beer or more and a game of
PONG. By the time Laurie came over and was ready to go, Tom was not. That
was the usual Friday night. Tom enjoyed the simple things in life, a beer and
conversation with good friends, the outdoors and maybe a line in the
water....and Tom would nod his head and say,"You know, this is pretty good".
Tom was a good teacher, he had a wide breadth of knowledge to share. Tom
was the most patient listener I have ever known, which is a rare quality. Tom
loved his wife, loved his two sons and was so proud of them. Tom will be
greatly missed and remembered always as a loving husband, father,son,
brother, and a solid friend.
DALE WADE, MAY 8, 2008
Aunt Laurie, Justin and Stuart.... Even though we were all together less than a
handful of times over the years, it was always a blast full of a lifetime of
memories. We are so sorry for your loss and keep you all in our thoughts and
prayers. Love to you all, Michelle, Jay and Jackson
MICHELLE (A'HEARN) MERANTE, MAY 8, 2008
Laurie, Justin and Stuart We are so sorry to hear about Tom. He will be deeply
missed. You and the rest of yor family are in our thoughts and prayers. The
Collie Family Gerry, Kim Vicki, Eric and Andrew Sarah, David and Ethan
GERRY AND KIM COLLIE, MAY 8, 2008
Dear Laurie: So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Randy called to tell me. I have
moved back to Pennsylvania. I will always remember Tom for his unselfish
help. He was always there when people needed him. I remember when the
truck went through our house and he came over and boarded it up and when
my garage door broke and he didn't hesitate to come and help me. I will pray
for you, Justin, Stuart and the rest of your family.
TERRI L. SHIVER DOMINICK, MAY 7, 2008
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