By Edgar on May 17th, 2017

    Oren Lincoln Kelsey, Jr., 100, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on May 10, 2017 in Many. He was born on July 13, 1916, in Elk Falls, Kansas to Oren Lincoln Kelsey, Sr. and Mary Kelsey. Oren grew up on a farm in Elk County, Kansas and graduated from Elk Falls High School. Following attendance at Emporia State Teachers College, he taught students from grades 1-8 in Wildcat Creek School, a one-room country schoolhouse. As America’s involvement in WWII loomed on the horizon, Oren enlisted in the army and completed officers’ candidate training. He served as a first lieutenant with the 34th Infantry Division during the invasions of North Africa and Italy. After being wounded during the battle of Monte Casino, he returned home and married the love of his life, Grace Marie McCoskey. While raising a family, he completed the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. For most of his long professional career, Oren served in administrative positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), focusing on the management and eradication of animal diseases. He was highly respected by colleagues and staff for his knowledge and for his integrity and compassion. Following retirement from the USDA, he became the State Veterinarian for Arkansas under Governor Bill Clinton. Upon retirement from that position, Oren and Grace moved to Many to live near children and grandchildren. Oren enjoyed spending time with family and participating in activities with other members of the United Methodist Church and Lion’s Club. He and Grace hit the road often in a series of RVs, traveling through much of the U.S. They also visited several other countries. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Allen and George Kelsey; sisters, Ethel Kelsey, Emma Cooley and Lela Helms; and children Steven Kelsey and Janice Parker. Oren will be greatly missed by Grace, his beloved wife of 72 years; daughters, Gloria Goldman of Dayton, Ohio and Rebecca Boone of Many; granddaughters, Karen Jaffe, Rebecca Martone, Erin Boone, Jennifer Boone, and Lauren Vienne; grandson Ian Parker, and by great-grandchildren Cora Vienne and Dylan Markel. He will be remembered for his steadfastness and kindness, his sacrifices and fierce love for family, his sense of humor and fiery temper, and his great stories.