Frank (Bud) Kelly

Frank (Bud) Kelly was born in Filorocent, CO on December 4th, 1917 and died at home in Grants Pass, OR October 1st, 2007. His father died when he was young from a WWI related injury. The family eventually moved to the Antelope Valley in Southern California where he attended a one-room grade school and completed his schooling up through the 10th grade before heading back to Colorado to work with family members on various ranches including the Brockhurst Dude Ranch. Eventually, he made his way back to the Antelope Valley to continue working as a ranch hand, meeting his future wife on one of the ranches he worked. They were married on September 7th, 1943 during his furlough between the Aleutian Campaign and when he went to Africa/Italy.
In October, 1941, Frank decided to join the military, volunteering for the cavalry where he served with such distinction as a heavy machine gunner that he gained the notice of his superiors who recommended him for the paratroopers. He volunteered for training with a special top-secret brigade which was being formed in cooperation with the Canadian government to create a special task force for insertion into Norway to destroy some “heavy water”/nuclear experimental stations the Nazi’s had there. This special group became designated as the First Special Service Force or “The Force” as it was later known. Frank served with this special unit from its inception through the Aleutian, Sicily and Italian campaigns where he was removed from combat for severe frostbite during the fall1944. Frank held the rank of Corporal initially at the beginning of his training with The Force but attained the rank of Staff Sergeant by the time he was discharged. During his service, he received two Bronze Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Service Medal. Frank served with distinction and honor during his entire service career and had the special honor of having his Combat Infantry Badge pinned on by Col. Fredericks, the commander of the entire Special Service Force. Because of his frostbite, Frank was no longer able to serve and so he was discharged with honor in late 1944.
After his service years, Frank returned back to the Antelope Valley and his wife. They lived in Lancaster, CA. working on various ranches, dairies and other odd jobs, even becoming the caretaker for the Shay’s Castle for a period of time. In the early 50’s Frank and his growing family moved to Ojai where he worked for contractors building houses. In the late 50’s, they moved back to Lancaster where he began working for Machinery Overhaul (MOCO) as a crating specialist for the large machinery and engines they were working on for the government. In 1965 he went to work for the Antelope Valley School District as a Carpentry Maintenance worker. He retired in 1979 from there to the Grants Pass/Merlin area where he and his wife took up several arts and craft hobbies that kept them busy and fulfilled for the next two decades plus.
Frank loved working with his hands and especially working with wood. He treated everyone as honestly and honorably as possible. Whether he was fishing, traveling in the RV, working in the woodshop, helping a neighbor build something or having fun with his family, Frank knew how to make the most out of life and it usually had to do with making others feel safe and cared for. He didn’t have a selfish bone in his body and would give of what he had to anyone who needed it. Everyone who met Frank knew they were with a man of kindness and integrity.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Lucretia and son Gary. He is survived by two sons, Robin (Rob) Kelly and Kevin Kelly both of Merlin, OR. He is also survived by a daughter Marilyn DeBolt of Grants Pass, OR. In addition he is survived by 5 grandchildren and 7great-grandchildren.