Loyd E. Kelly

Loyd E. Kelly, 85, of Liberty, Mo., passed away on October 27, 2025.

Born in Kearney, Mo., Loyd attended William Jewell College and later graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree. He was a proud and devoted member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), where he served as Grand Patriarch and held other official positions within his local and state lodge chapter.

He was retired for 30 years from the Chicago Board of Education as a supervising engineer. Once retired they moved to a farm in Liberty and was an avid farmer who took great joy in caring for his chickens, fruit trees, and cornfields during retirement.

Loyd, at 84 years old, still loved his yearly spoonbill and trout fishing trips to Osceola, Mo., with his brother Vern. He also took great interest as the family genealogist and family photographer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eleanor Kelly, and their three children, Kim (Gerry) Phipps, Victor (Kendra) Kelly, and Kris (Carl) Grandin. He was a cherished grandfather to Carter Grandin, Trevor Grandin, Cole Kelly, and Kai Kelly and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Loyd is also survived by his siblings, Vern (Christine) Kelly, Bobby (Anita) Kelly, Mark (Lorry) Kelly, and Cindy (David) Propes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane Kelly and Loyd Kelly.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2025, with service to follow at First United Methodist Church, Kearney. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kearney, Mo.

Donations may be made to the Kearney First United Methodist Church in remembrance of Loyd Kelly.

Arrangements are in the care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, Mo.