Obituary: Keith R. Kelson

Keith R. Kelson "At Least He Tried" 08/11/18 ~ 05/22/05 Keith was born August 11, 1918 in Wales, Utah, the only child of Raynold and Myrtle Rees Kelson. His father passed away when Keith was a year old. Keith married Elaine Mash on December 27, 1941. She passed away on November 25, 1987. He then married Mabel A. Purcell on June 12, 1993. Keith decided upon a career of teaching as his parents had and received his B.A., M.A. and, after serving in World War II, his Ph.D from the University of Utah. He joined the faculty of the University of Kansas and after his work there, joined the staff of the National Science Foundation in Washington D.C., retiring as Associate Director after 20 years of service. He and Elaine moved back to Utah where he resumed his hobbies of fishing, camping and traveling. Later, he and Mabel became accomplished ballroom dancers. He is survived by his wife, Mabel; son, Dr. James R. (Kathleen) Kelson; daughter, Carolyn K. (Jay) Batchelder; four grandchildren; four step-children, Richard (Kaylene) Purcell, Jeanine (Brent) Parrish, Shawna (Thomas) Taylor, Michele (Michael) McClain; 10 step-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Janice) Ault; and sister, Shirla (Marvin) Burrows. Funeral services will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street on Friday, May 27, 2005 at 10 a.m. Friends and family may call at the mortuary on Thursday, May 26, 2005 from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Friday. Burial will be in the Murray City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Keith would rather you read a story to a child.