Robert (Bob) Allen Kelley was called to the triumphant trap shoot in the sky on April 7, 2018 in Polson, MT at the age of 81.
Bob was born on May 20, 1936 to Robert and Gladys Kelley in Kalispell, MT. Bob attended grade school and other local schools before graduating from Polson High School in 1955. He then enlisted in the National Guard. Afterwards, Bob attended barber school in Phoenix, AZ, earning his certification in July of 1956. Bob married his first wife, Jaris Lee Albert on September 17, 1956, after the two met in high school. To this union, Bob and Jaris had eight children. Jaris passed away in 1999 and the two had been married for 43 years. Bob ran his own barbershop from 1957 until 1968 at which time he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis abruptly changed his career direction and he found his passion as a school bus driver for District 23 in Polson for more than 30 years.
Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed many activities that included duck hunting, golf, serving as the lead singer at church, running the chains at football games, and watching sporting events, and meeting up with friends at the Lake City Bakery. Bob was an excellent marksman and won numerous events throughout his shooting career.
It was at church that Bob met his second wife, Audine. Together they traveled to trap shoots and enjoying Sunday road trips. Bob knew every back road in northwest Montana. When springtime would finally roll around, he would always look forward to being the first in line at Richwine’s Burgerville. He had a great sense of humor and always had a great story to tell.
Bob is preceded in death by his first wife, Jaris; his parents, Robert and Gladys Kelley; and a brother, Bill Kelley.
Survivors include his wife, Audine; his children, Brenda (Leon) McCarley, Kathryn Kelley, Diana (Jeff) Washburn, Robert (Laura) Kelley, Jonathan (Tambrely) Kelley, Randy (Tammy) Kelley, Janie (Jay) Bick, and Leslie (Willy) Nelson; step-children, Sharolet (Rob) McDonald, Tim (Linda) Craft, and Deborah (Mike Keely). Bob also leaves behind 27 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Bob’s life will be celebrated on Monday, April 23, 2018, 10:30 AM, at The Lake Funeral Home.
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