In Memory

 

John Kelty

1931 - 2005

 

John O. Kelty    
KELTY, JOHN O., 74, of Louisville, died Saturday, November 12, 2005, at his home, St. Joseph's Home for the Aged. Mr. Kelty was born February 28, 1931, in Louisville, KY, the eldest son of John Lawrence and Saloma Dunlap Kelty. He was raised in the old Sacred Heart Parish and graduated from Flaget High School. He married Betty Ann Portman on December 26, 1950. He then served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Warner Robins, GA, during the Korean War. Mr. Kelty returned to Louisville and became a diesel mechanic for the old Killion Motor Express, and later retired from C.W. Transport as shop foreman. He had over 35 years with Teamsters Local 89. Mr. Kelty was also an accomplished vocalist, having been a member of the Holy Name Choral Club as well as various church choirs. He also sang for the Kentucky Opera Association and was a member of the Motet Singers, having sung with that group for President Nixon at the White House. John was a devout Catholic and a member of several parishes, including Sacred Heart, Holy Cross, St. Matthias, St. Louis Bertrand, and St. Margaret Mary. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Louis Bertrand Council 10682, and Monsignor Bouchet Assembly 308, Fourth Degree. Mr. Kelty was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 53 years, Betty Ann; his brothers, Gerard J. (Roberta) and Jerome L. Kelty; and his sister, Dorothy A. Gies (William). Surviving Mr. Kelty are his children, John R. (Karen), of Lincoln, NE, Lawrence A., of Hampton, VA, Daniel J. (Connie), of Louisville, Catherine A. Coco (Ed), of St. Louis, MO, James A. (Cheryl), of Hahira, GA, and Judy M. Kelty, of Vero Beach, FL; a brother, Eugene W. Kelty (Joyce); three sisters, Cecelia M. Kelty, Kathleen A. Lindsey (Roger), of Martinez, CA, and Emily J. Bray (Ronnie); aunt, Ruth Kelty; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Little Sisters of the Poor, 15 Audubon Place Dr., with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd., and from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday at Little Sisters of the Poor. The family wishes to acknowledge the special care and love Mr. Kelty received at St. Joseph's Home and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor.