June 1, 1928 – February 3, 2020
Retired Lt. Col. C.C. Kelly, a Colorado Springs resident since 1964, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020.
He was born June 1, 1928 to Sidney Dewey Kelly and Ethelda Inez (Houston) Kelly in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bacteriology from Mississippi State University, and earned his second Bachelor’s degree in Business from UCCS. He married Margaret Mary (Peggy) Coshun on January 24, 1955 in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
C.C. was a Korean War Veteran with the United States Air Force, flew 58 combat missions and retired with 30 years of military service. He was also stationed in Germany and Taiwan. He was a military defense contractor with ITT and supported NORAD for many years. He also was employed as a residential realtor in Colorado Springs. He and Peggy spent 19 winters living in Texas.
He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. He was also a member of the Clarksdale Lodge No. 286 for 69 years in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Scottish Right of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction for 57 years, Al Kaly Shriners and the Colorado Springs Shrine Club for 53 years. As an avid musician, he played the trumpet with many groups, including the Al Kaly Shrine Band.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Kelly; his children: Kenneth Kelly and Toni L. Autry (Scot M.); and two grandchildren: Jeremy M. Kelly and Emily A. K. Koonce. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth C. Kelly; and a daughter, Kathleen Blaise Kelly.
A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1409 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Private inurnment will be at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses at Pikes Peak Hospice located at Penrose Main Hospital.
Memorials in C.C.’s name may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Casey Parker
7 Feb 2020Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time
Godspeed Mr. Kelly
Al and Elaine Shea
8 Feb 2020It seems like it was just a few days ago that we were listening to the Shriner’s German Band play Oktoberfest songs at several concerts. All these years, Al has been invited to play his accordion with the band, Elaine has been in the audience watching all of the band members playing with such joy! May the Lord hold you, your kids and grandkids close in His everlasting arms. Peace be with you.
Linda Armey Van Alstyne
9 Feb 2020Dear Kelly Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mr. Kelly taught me how to change a tire. He instructed me from his back yard while I did the work in my driveway. He shoveled my driveway and sidewalks so I could drive to work.
He got the squirrel out of my house that had come in when I was getting wood for the fireplace (we were both yelling).
Wonderful neighbor(s).
Warm regards and heartfelt sympathy,
Linda Armey Van Alstyne
Gloria Green
19 Jun 2020Oh, my gosh…..Peggy….what prompted me to look you up as I sat here in Highlands Ranch, CO….
My condolences on your loss…he led a full life…remember Kris and Toni shaving their legs in CA..
Hopefully, you get this message…