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Delbert Delaine Kelley was born in East Millsboro, Pennsylvania on July 24th 1939 to C. D. and Edna Miller Kelley. He passed from this life at the age of 70 on September 20, 2009 at University Hospital in San Antonio TX.

Delbert graduated from Miller High School in Corpus Christi in 1957. He attended technical schools and General Motors training schools. He served his country as a Supply Officer in the Army Reserve, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. Delbert was in the automotive business for 27 years with General Motors in Corpus Christi and Clear Lake City. He briefly had his own auto parts store, The Carriage Shoppe, in Kerrville TX.

It was in Kerrville where he met the love of his life, Glenna Batley Kelley. They married on October 10th 1973. They made their home in Kerrville until she entered the ministry in 1998. He worked at Mooney Aircraft for 23yrs. In 1998 he left full time employment to support his wife as an itinerant United Methodist preacher. They served churches in Kempner, Ganado/Louise, Johnson City and Junction/London. Delbert was a member of First United Methodist Church of Junction. His church work was extensive over the years as Sunday school teacher, usher, trustee, member of council on ministries, finance committee, administrative council, church van driver and mechanic, and worked with the youth.

Being an excellent mechanic and handy man he was always helping others in need with various projects. He never learned to swim, but white water rafted on a mission trip to Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his father, C.D. Kelley, father in law Glenn Batley, sister Ester Obrecht, and son Keith Kelley.

He is survived by his wife Glenna, and two sons and their wives, Brent and Jalyn Kelley of San Antonio TX, and Barrett and Jennifer Kelley of Rankin TX, his mother Edna Kelley Morgan of Brenham TX, his sister Dolores Crawford of Huntsville AL, his sister and brother in law Cheryl and Rick Downes of Brenham TX, brothers Dennis Kelley of Gardendale TX, and Darrell Kelley of Kerrville TX, grandsons Brandon, Sean and Daniel Kelley of Rankin TX, mother in law Alice Batley Earle of Amistad NM, brother in law and wife Rik and Diana Batley of Kerrville, sisters in law and their husbands Teri and Curtis Valentine of Kerrville TX, and Lori and Troy Lamb of Encino NM, numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am September 26, 2009 at First United Methodist Church in Junction. Rev. Larry Altman, District Superintendent of the San Angelo District of The United Methodist Church will preside. Delbert will be eulogized by his long time friend Rev. Harold Sassman of Canyon Lake TX.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Junction.

The family invites you to send condolences at www.grimesfunera lchapels.com by selecting the “Send Condolences” link.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.