Rev. Loyal W. Kelso

Today Sgt. Loyal W. Kelso, one of the remaining veterans of World War II, and also of "The Greatest Generation", heard the call from "The Commander-in Chief of Heaven's armies" to report for duty. His response was, "Yes, Sir, I am on my way!"

With those words, he left this world for his new assignment in the future world, serving his new "Commander-in Chief", Almighty God.

He was born on April 27th 1923, the son of the late Willis A. & Violet (Koch) Kelso.

He was married to (Alva Patterson) Kelso on November 21st, 1952, in the 43rd street Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pa. by the Rev. Walter R. Clyde.

In addition to his loving wife, Alva, he is survived by one daughter, LuAnn Boyd, married to James Boyd Sr. of Clarksville, Pa. Two sons, Mark W. Kelso, married to Marilyn (Calderone) Kelso of Cumberland Md., and Michael A. Kelso married to Brandi J. (Drenning) Kelso of Schellsburg, Pa.

He is also survived by his sister Helen Clokey of Bullhead, Arizona, 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, a sister (June), two brothers (Walter and Arthur), an infant brother and his daughter-in-law, Rachel.

During World War II he served from January 8th 1942 until September 5th 1945 in the Army Air Corps, the 12th Air Force, the 562 Signal Aircraft Warning BN (Radar outfit). On November 8th, 1942 he participated in "Operation Torch", the invasion of North Africa by American forces, whose mission was to attack the Germans from the west while the British attacked the Germans from the east. With the Germans caught between the American 5th army and the British 8th army, they eventually surrendered thereby ending the African campaign. Then came the invasion of Sicily and later, Italy. He served in a total of 6 major campaigns in Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He was honorably discharged at Fort Indiantown gap, Pa. September 5th, 1945.

He also served in the "United States Air Force" from December 26th 1947 until August 29th, 1951 with the rank of Staff Sgt. As an assistant to wing Chaplain Major Roy C. Davis of the 5th fighter wing, Alaska Air Command, Anchorage, Alaska. When he returned to the states, he served as an assistant to Major Oscar E. Bryn Jr., Chaplain of the 2225th Overseas Replacement Depot, Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Staff Sgt. Kelso served his country in war and in peace and was honorably discharged from active military service on August 29th, 1951, thereby ending 7 years, 5 months, an 5 days of service. He earned the following medals: European, African, Middle East service medal with 6 Bronze Stars and 2 Bronze Arrowheads: American Defense medal: WWII Victory medal: Good conduct medal: & Sharp Shooter.

While living in Baltimore Maryland, he worked as a Freight Conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad for 17 years. It was during this time that he heard the call to ministry and began his studies to become  ordained. He attended Wesley Theological Seminary and on June 5th 1970 he was consecrated in the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. to the "Ministry of Word, Sacrament and Order". He was Ordained by Bishop John Wesley Lord by the "Laying on of hands", as a minister in the United Methodist Church.

During his 35 years of active ministry he served congregations in Maryland and Western Pennsylvania until his retirement in November of 2005. He had heard and answered God's call by serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. As one group wrote about his ministry, saying, "We understand that our Lord had called you to service. We are grateful that we have experienced your love of the Lord and that you shared that love with us."

He will be missed by many, but especially by all who experienced his love and ministry as he traveled the road that his Lord laid out for him as an ordained minister of "The Gospel of Jesus Christ".

With his God-given mission accomplished, his final message to those he loved and served are, "I'll see you in the morning, on the day that God calls you into His presence in Heaven for eternity. Where you will be greeted by your Heavenly Father, by Jesus Christ His Son and your Savior, and by the Holy Spirit. Along with your family members and friends who are already in His presence."

A Funeral Service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, Hyndman at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015 with Pastor Bob Nagy officiating.

Interment will be held at Hyndman Cemetery.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the church in Hyndman.

Arrangements entrusted to Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.

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