DEACON LAWRENCE MONROE KELLY, JR.

Obituary Lawrence Monroe Kelly Jr. affectionately known as “Kelly” was born on May 5th, 1952 to Buford “Jean” Anderson and Lawrence M Kelly, Sr. Lawrence attended Bonner Springs Junior High and graduated from Bonner Springs High School. As a teenager Lawrence attended Gethsemane Baptist Church, in Edwardsville, Kansas. While at Gethsemane, Lawrence accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at an early age. Lawrence was a faithful servant. He served on the usher board, sang in the choir and was a member of the Baptist Training Union, all under the leadership of the late Rev. James Kelly, Jr. After graduation Lawrence relocated to Columbia, Missouri. Shortly after moving to Columbia, Lawrence married Linda Mitchell, although no children were born to this union he raised Leo Mitchell, Diane McDaniel and Patrick “Wayne” Stapleton as his own. It was in Columbia that Lawrence first realized he was a good cook. He worked for numerous restaurants until he found his true love; Furr’s Buffet. Lawrence was loved by his co-workers and was affectionately known and respected as Mr. Kelly. After many years of service, Mr. Kelly retired as head Chef. More than ten years ago Lawrence rededicated his life and became a faithful member of St. Paul missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Lawrence was a dedicated honorary Deacon and a member of the Male chorus. He loved Bible Study, Sunday School, the preached word and the fellowship with his Church family. Lawrence’s life journey took him and brought him but most of all his journey gave him the wisdom, strength and knowledge to approach anyone on the street and tell them about the goodness of the Lord. He didn’t mind going down in the trenches because he knew without a doubt, just like god brought him out and placed his feet on a solid rock he would be the same to anyone that would give him a chance to share the good news. Lawrence was preceded in death by his mother and father. He leaves to cherish his memory; three stepchildren Leo Mitchell, Diane (Stanley) McDaniel and Patrick “Wayne” Stapelton; two brothers Ronnie (Kathy), and Robert (Darleen) Kelly both of Kansas City, Kansas, one sister Annette Kelly of Fulton, Missouri, four nephews, Ronnie Jr., Robert, Jr., Anthony “Monroe” and Tyson, three nieces Angela, Kayron, Morgan and Sydney, a host of cousins and friends. A special friend Ms. Toney Dee and a favorite son in law Stanley McDaniel. Memorial Services were held at 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, June 8th at Lawrence A. Jones and Sons Linwood Chapel. Private Disposition. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of DEACON LAWRENCE MONROE KELLY, JR., please visit our floral store. Read More

DEACON LAWRENCE MONROE KELLY, JR.

May 5, 1952 - May 29, 2020