Calvin Jefferson Kelly

Calvin Jefferson Kelly, “Jeff” passed away at age 85 on Dec. 6, 2022, following a brief illness. He was born in Saltville, VA on Oct. 9, 1937, and was very proud of his Virginia heritage. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Mary, for 62 years. He is survived by his wife Mary Kelly, Aurora, IL; brother Marvin Kelly (Charlotte) of Simsbury, CT; son Don Kelly (Jodi) of Rapid City, MI; and daughter Kathy Beitzel (Roger) of Aurora, IL. Other survivors include grandchildren Devon Ankerson (Bill) of Maple City, MI; Caleb Kelly (partner Meghan) of Utica, MI; Rudy Kelly (partner Brandon) of Bath, MI; Laura Yocum (Austin) of Springfield, IL; Alex Beitzel of Aurora, IL; four adorable great-grandchildren; seven nephews and one niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fletch and Katherine Kelly, and his sister, Elaine Murphy.

Jeff succumbed to a very aggressive form of cancer. Just 36 days after he became ill, angels were guiding him into Heaven.

Jeff was a model husband and dad. He was a Christian, an Eagle Scout, a U.S. Army Veteran, and a proud graduate of Virginia Tech as a Mechanical Engineer. Jeff could fix anything. He was very happy to help his wife with her love of gardening. While raising children, he was an amateur sportscar racing driver, and enjoyed a lot of time behind the wheel of his 1959 Austin Healey Sprite. He stayed involved with racing until his death, serving as Crew Chief for his son, Don, who races that same car 20 some years later. Jeff was well loved by many people, especially all his friends at many racetracks.

His pride, other than his family, was another Austin Healey Sprite. This one he restored to be his summertime street car. He was an avid wood worker who loved making and restoring beautiful things in his shop. As described by many, “He was one of the good guys.”

Memorial Service to be held on December 16th, 2022 at

Plainfield United Methodist Church

15114 S Illinois St.

Plainfield, IL 60544

Visitation at 11:00

Service at 12:00