Earl Kelley

Retired Great Falls Policeman, Earl Kelley passed away on the evening of April 21, 2017 while in Hospice care at Goldstone assisted living, in Great Falls.Earl was born on September 30, 1927 in Vestaburg, MI to Hattie Mae and Archie Kelley. Earl lived in Michigan until age 18, he then enlisted in the service with the Army Air Corp, eventually stationed at East Base in Great Falls. Here he met, and married his first wife, June Fahey Magee Kelley who passed away in May 1987. Two sons were born of this marriage, Patrick (Lori) Kelley of Missoula, MT and Michael (Deborah) Kelley of Billings, MT.On June 18, 1988, he married Shirley Edberg and began to enjoy life with his new family which included Shirleys four wonderful daughters from a previous marriage, Karen (George) Larsgard, Laura (Erick) Jaderholm, Judy Higgins and Shari Higgins.Earl is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; her daughters and their families; and his two sons.Earl suffered the passing of his siblings, Louella, Leo, Orpha, Olive, Paul, Rex and younger sister, Phoebe June during his 89 years of life.Before his health prevented it, Earl was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and active as a 4th degree Knight and installation team member of Chapter 1593 Knights of Columbus, volunteering many hours and miles to do so. He also remained very proud of his 20 years with the GFPD, proudly wearing and retiring badge #2 in 1975. Many will remember his stories of fights, arrests and funny incidents during those years. The family gratefully thanks the K of C members and GFPD officers who visited Earl during his final illness.Not one to sit still very long, Earl owned and operated Majestic Lawn Service for many years after his retirement, he also became well known for making beautiful hand carved leather items and worked as a licensed security officer.A vigil service to honor and remember all his life touched will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 6:00 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at the family plot in Choteau, MT.The family would like to thank Hospice personnel and the staff of Goldstone Assisted Living Center for the wonderful care they provided Earl.In lieu of flowers, memorials in Earls name may be made to a charity of ones choice.