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Obituary for Richard Raymond Kelps, Sr.
Richard Raymond Kelps, Sr., 83, of Fowlerville, Michigan passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021.
Richard Raymond Kelps Sr. was born November 14th, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Motown Detroit and was a graduate of Mackenzie Highschool class of 1956. After graduation he worked as a lifeguard and eventually accepted a position at Detroit Edison working in Electrical Maintenance. Drafted for the Army, he served as a communications specialist on the Big and Little John Missel Project. Richard became a DTE Lineman where we worked happily for 41 years.
While stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, he met the love of his life Geneva Hawpe. Richard and Geneva quickly fell in love and married 6 months later. Settling in Detroit to start their new lives together. The couple went on to share 3 beautiful children, Richard Jr, Carol and Laura. The Kelps relocated to Canton, Michigan which is where the kids shared their childhood home.
Richard had a love for cars, motorcycles and it was his dream to attend racing school in Germany. He restored his beloved Porsche over the course of a decade, taking classes to further his skills. His passions also included shooting, archery and his job as a lineman. He enjoyed playing music on his accordion and frequently played for his friends, family and local church.
After 41 years at DTE, he retired with his wife Geneva in their forever home in Fowlerville, Michigan. Following retirement, he maintained his passions and focused on his family. He remained a devoted member of his church and strong in his faith. Richard went on to become a great grandfather and enjoyed his loved ones every chance he got.
Devoted husband of Geneva for 59 years. Loving father of Carol Ann Glomski (Gary Lee), Laura Lee Stumbaugh, and the late Richard Raymond Kelps, Jr. Proud grandfather of Megan Marie Miller, Nicole Lee Kelps, Mitchell Ross Miller, Rachel Lauren Riemenschneider (Jake), Katelyn Mackenzie Valentine (Joe), Emily Isabella Stumbaugh, and great-grandfather of Levi Mikko Nater and Adrian Allen Posthumos.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 2 PM to 8 PM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 600 E. Main St., Brighton, MI 48116.
A funeral service will be held at Livingston Adventist Church 5210 E. Highland Rd., Howell, MI 48843 on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 1 PM with gathering from 12 noon until the time of service.
Burial and military honors will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 9:30 AM.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to make a donation to the church in Richard, Sr.’s memory.
