Joseph R. Kelso

Joseph R. Kelso, 91, of Odell, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2021, at 8:33 p.m. at Good Samaritan Home in Pontiac, IL.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday March 3, 2021 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Odell, IL with a private family visitation at the funeral home prior to the graveside service.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph was born September 4, 1929, in Odell, IL to Earl R. and Catherine M. (Roob) Kelso. He married
Verna J. Miller on October 27, 1951, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL. She passed away April 8, 2020.

Surviving are his children, Debbie (Steve) Schopp of Odell, IL, Tom (Jan) Kelso of Springfield, IL, and Jorjann (Dan) Howell of Morris, IL; grandchildren, JJ (Reagan Williams) Schopp, Andy Schopp, Nick Kelso, Kalin Howell, and Ashley (Nick Whitcomb) Howell; brother, Patrick (Garnet) Kelso of Odell

He was preceded by his parents, wife Verna, son Douglas Kelso, sisters Ruth Rinn, Regina Phillips, and Joan Ayers.

Joseph graduated from Odell High School in 1947 and received his Master Plumber License in 1952. He was the owner and operator of Kelso Plumbing and Heating in Odell and life member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 99. He was in the United States Air Force, stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Mather Field, California.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and volunteer Fireman, all in Odell.

Family suggests memorials be made to St. Paul Catholic School, 300 S. West St., Odell, IL 60460

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.