Jesse Clarence “Chris” Kelly

Jesse Clarence “Chris” Kelly, 94, passed away peacefully Thursday in Knoxville, Tenn.

Jesse was born on Dec. 11, 1923, in Slippery Rock.

He graduated from Slippery Rock High School in l943, where he played football, softball and basketball.

During World War II from 1943 until 1945, Jesse served as a sergeant in the USAAF 8th Air Force 96th Heavy Bombardment B17 Group at Snetterton Heath, England. He also served in the Air Force Reserves from l945 until l952.

Jesse worked at Book Davis Construction Company in Grove City as a carpenter for 23 years and for PPG in Meadville for 16 years.

He enjoyed hunting, square dancing, bowling, playing cards, travel and watching sports.

In May 1946, Jesse married June Mary Young of New Castle. They had two children. After the death of his first spouse, Jesse married Ruth Best in December 1970 and they lived in Mercer where they were longtime members of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Ruth preceded Jesse in death in 2015.

Jesse was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter, Chrisan Ellis and her husband, Dave; his son, Jesse Ernie Kelly and his wife, Wanda; his stepchildren, Ed Best, Linda Kucsera and her husband, John, and Eileen Best and Paul Best; and his eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

KELLY — A private graveside service for Jesse Clarence “Chris” Kelly, who died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Slippery Rock Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Honorflight.org or the American Heart Association.Cards of condolence may be sent to Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock, to be forwarded to the family.