Mr. Roger L. Kelso

Roger L. Kelso, 76, of Abingdon, died at 10:36 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

He was born July 7, 1941, in Dahinda, the son of Enos and Golda Irene (Howard) Kelso.  He married Sereatha “Ree” Presley on July 3, 1966, in Maquon.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ree; seven children,  Joe Willie (Lisa) Presley of Fishers, Indiana, Terra (John) Ravencraft of McComb, Mississippi, Tony (Kathy) Presley of Galesburg, Tim (Dawn) Presley of Abingdon, Teresa Presley Wheatley of Abingdon; Terri Kelso of Abingdon, and Willie Kelso of Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Star, Tony (Becca), Becky, Dana (Cory), and Timmy; several great grandchildren, who were his pride and joy; brother, Wilbur Dean Kelso of Maquon; sisters-in-law, Connie Kelso of Maquon and Bettie Taylor of Galesburg; and a brother-in-law, Bud Starnes of Maquon; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Jim Kelso, Don Kelso, Earl Kelso, Gary Kelso, and Allen Kelso; and a sister, Pam Starnes.

Roger was raised and educated in the Williamsfield area, graduating from Williamsfield High School in 1959.  He moved to Abingdon in 1966.  Roger worked at Briggs Manufacturing for 32 ½ years, where he was a caster.  He retired in 2000.

Roger was a member of Colonial Baptist Church in Galesburg and TRIAD through the Knox County Sheriff’s Department.  He loved fishing, flower gardening, taking care of his yard, and bird watching.  He enjoyed sports and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.  He also enjoyed WWE Wrestling.  Roger especially loved God and his family.

Visitation will be 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Colonial Baptist Church.  Funeral will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Darrell Grimm officiating.  Cremation will be accorded following the funeral with burial later in Abingdon Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling arrangements for the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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