Kelly Vernon Mahon

Kelly was born on January 30th, 1953, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii to Lt. Vernon Chalmer Frank Mahon and Margaret May Stout (Mahon). In 1954, the family moved to Lakewood, California where he grew up. Kelly participated in little league and pole vaulting. He was a member of symphonic band and jazz band in high school where some of his early compositions were performed. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from San Diego State University, a Master’s in Music Theory from the University of Kansas, and his D.M.A in Music Composition, also from KU. In 1985, he received the Anthony B. Cius Jr. Music Composition Award from KU. Additionally, he received a Master of Library Science degree from Emporia State University in 1987. He was an adjunct music instructor at Avila University for several years. Kelly was an extremely talented teacher and composer and his compositions were performed throughout the Midwest. . The saxophone was his primary instrument, which many of his compositions included. Some of his fondest memories were performing in various saxophone ensembles. In addition, he played other instruments including piano, string bass, and banjo. He wrote for solo saxophone, saxophone quartet, woodwind ensemble, brass ensemble, solo voice, choir, symphonic works, opera, and other genres. The majority of his professional career was spent as a librarian at the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library. His positions included reference, community reference, career, and grant writing librarian.

He married Penny Lynn Altenbernd on September 24th, 1988, at Danforth Chapel on the KU Campus. Kelly composed or arranged all the music for their wedding and reception. He was very proud of his children's musical endeavors and other achievements. In his free time, he enjoyed composing, barbecuing,championing progressive political causes, listening to jazz and watching classic movies, especially those with Humphrey Bogart. His favorite TV show was the Rockford Files. He had a great sense of humor and was also an excellent cook. He said that he thought cooking was part of the creative process.

He is survived by his wife Penny of the home, his daughter Molly (Jacob) Moore of Overland Park, his son Michael Mahon of Kansas City, MO, his granddaughters Rosetta and Juniper (Moore), his sister Meribeth Nissen (Mahon), his nephew Jeff Nissen of Hayden, ID, and his cats Squeaks and Woodruff Tuxedo. He is also survived by numerous friends and extended family members across the world.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Michael Mahon in 1961 at age 13, his father in 1954, his mother Margaret ImMasche and his niece Jennifer Nissen.

A private Celebration of Life will be held later at the home. According to his wishes, the family will travel to California in the near future to scatter his ashes off the coast of his beloved California. A memorial fund has been established at his bank for the education of his grandchildren. Checks can be made out to Penny Mahon.