Lawrence Kelly Sr.
Lawrence Kelly Sr.
Lawrence Kelly Sr.

Obituary of Lawrence Donald Kelly Sr.

Lawrence D. Kelly, Sr. passed away July 2, 2018, in Lacey, Washington, his home of 52 years.  Larry was born to Lynn and Avonell Kelly of Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho on August 28, 1935.  In his younger years, his family moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School, Bellarmine Preparatory, and University of Puget Sound.

Larry is survived by his sister, Patricia Ragan (Lonny); and his children, Julie Arness, Sabrina Kelly (Scott), Larry Kelly, Jr. (Vicki) and Shannon Bergquist (Bob); eight grandchildren; and one great grandson.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Chuck and John; as well as his loving wife of 54 years, Kathie (Lavelle) Kelly.

Active in the United States Marines Corps, Larry was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for two years.  He had great pride and many memories serving with the Marines, which he loved to share with his family. 

Larry met and married Kathie Lavelle in October 1963, and they later moved to Lacey, Washington, to raise their family. 

Larry spent most of his career in Tacoma in the restaurant and service industry, owning The Cage Tavern, and managing Sherwood Inn, Ben Dews, and the Steak Peddler. He worked as the food manager of the Washington State Patrol Academy in Shelton, and ended his working career with Bargreens & Ellingson.

Larry also enjoyed and excelled as an athlete from a young child into and throughout his life, which led to his induction into the Bellermine Athletic Hall of Fame.  He touched many lives as a teammate, coach, and then as a parent and spectator.  He shared that love and passion of sports with his children and grandchildren.  He was an avid and relentlessly devoted fan of all their activities.

Born and raised Catholic, Larry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 50 years.  He was very proud of his instrumental and dedicated encouragement in the cleanup and improvement of the Stations of the Cross at St. Martin’s University.  Larry was an active member for many years in the Elks Club in Tacoma and the Lions Club in Lacey. 

With all Larry’s personal success in life, his most important gifts and blessings were those of his family.  He loved and cherished his wife and each one of his children and grandchildren.  For all those who knew and loved him, you would know that he would do anything for his family, friends, and many times a complete stranger.  He made the world a better place.  Larry fought a 20 plus-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease and lived his life to the fullest extent.

A mass in Larry’s honor will be held Monday, July 16, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 813 Bowker Street SE, Lacey, WA 98503.  The Rosary will be at 8:30 a.m. with the Mass to begin at 9:00 a.m. A reception will follow at Hallen Hall.  All are invited to attend and celebrate Larry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please support Meals on Wheels, 222 Columbia St. NE, Olympia, WA 98501.

 

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Monday
16
July

Rosary

8:30 am
Monday, July 16, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
813 Bowker St. SE
Lacey, Washington, United States
Monday
16
July

Mass

9:00 am
Monday, July 16, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
813 Bowker St. SE
Lacey, Washington, United States
Reception to follow in Hallen Hall
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