William “Bill” Leroy Kelly, age 85, of Branson, Missouri.

William “Bill” Leroy Kelly, age 85, of Branson, Missouri, passed away at home March 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 21, 1939, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Henry and Alberta (Chrisman) Kelly. His parents have preceded him in death.

He graduated from Keokuk High School in 1957 as Senior Class President. After high school, Bill attended Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1961 and later passing the CPA exam. Bill served our nation in the National Guard and was a member of the American Legion Post 192 in Kahoka, Missouri. In 1970, Bill moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where he became a partner in an accounting firm for more than four decades. While working in Galesburg, “Kelly” as he was known, met Sue, his wife of 45 years. Kelly enjoyed watching his kids play sports and serving on the Boards of Junior Football and Junior Baseball Leagues in Galesburg.

Bill Kelly had another love of his life. His passion for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes was quite evident if you ever had a chance to talk with him. He did not miss a game if either team was playing on TV. After his retirement, Bill and Sue retired to Branson, Missouri in 2012. They shared many memories together, visiting with neighbors and going to shows (as long as the Cardinals were not playing). The legacy and memories Bill Kelly created will be cherished for many years to come.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue. His children: Christopher Kelly and wife Connie of Normal, Illinois, David Kelly of The Colony, Texas, Joseph Kelly of Columbus, Wisconsin, Scott Kelly of Lutherville, Maryland and his stepdaughter, Jennifer Eyre of Palm Desert, California; as well as six grandchildren.

A memorial honoring Bill will be held at a later time in Kahoka, Missouri, with inurnment in the Kahoka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Access Hospice Care, 1741 S. 15th Street, Ozark, MO 65721, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Breakthrough T1D https://www.breakthrought1d.org/ways-to-give/. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To share a memory or leave an online condolence to his family, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.