AB Kelly

At home on Holiday Acres Lake in Cairo, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his children, A.B. Kelly completed his remarkable journey of 96 years on September 4, 2025.

Born November 16, 1928, in Sturgeon, Missouri, to Margaret Teresa (Orscheln) and Emmett Riggs Kelly, A.B. grew up with a strong work ethic and a knack for ingenuity that carried him through a full and colorful life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Leona Virginia (Heddinghaus) Kelly, with whom he built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures.

A.B.’s career was as varied and vibrant as he was—working on oil rigs, serving as a brakeman and conductor with the Wabash Railroad, operating machinery for A.B. Chance, serving his country at Ft. Leonard Wood in the US Army prior to receiving an honorable discharge, then later selling used cars before ultimately becoming the proud Chevrolet, Buick, and Oldsmobile dealer in Moberly from 1972 until his retirement in 2000. Retirement didn’t slow him down—he and Virginia traveled extensively, spent winters in Florida, and famously made 16 trips to Las Vegas in one year, where Virginia brought home some big wins in slots tournaments.

Family was always at the heart of A.B.’s life. He is survived by his five children: Beverly (Ken) Jones of Brunswick; Carl (Kelli) Kelly of Moberly; Terry (Connie) Kelly of Moberly; Steve (Cathy) Kelly of Moberly; and Monica McPherson of Columbia. His pride extended to his 14 grandchildren: Angie (Bill) Joralemon, Stephanie Marie Jones, Mindy (Mike) Beebe, Sara C. Kelly, Sean Kelly, Erin (Nick) Howat, Darik (Julie) Kelly, Brandon (Bethany) Kelly, Jared (Lindsay) Kelly, Alex McPherson, Tara (Adam) Weber, Adam McPherson, Austin Kelly, and Lauren (Kyle) Joseph. He also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild (with another on the way). Other survivors include sister-in-law Shirley (Moe) Heddinghaus, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He joins in eternal rest with his parents and siblings: infant brother Emmett Riggs Kelly Jr, brothers, Tom Kelly, Jim Kelly, and twin sisters Jendolyn Ann Haney and Gwendolyn Nan McElravy, as well as his granddaughter Jessica Kelly and grandson Mark Andrew Kelly.

A.B. had a gift for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. He was a master at “MacGyvering” solutions, teaching his children and grandchildren how to fix or invent just about anything. He made more than 3,000 one-of-a-kind drink coasters, enjoyed boating and skiing, and never passed up a good game of Texas Hold’em or Tile Rummy. He loved watching the Cardinals and the Chiefs with a Coke in hand.

Memorials to the St. Pius X School Foundation would be appreciated.

Military Honors were held at the St. Mary's Cemetery followed by a Memorial Mass at the St. Pius X Catholic Church. A private committal prayer and burial was held in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, in fulfilling Mr. Kelly's wishes.