Paul D. Kelso

August 26, 1945 - March 17, 2021

Paul David Kelso, age 75, formerly of Edwardsville, IL, passed away at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at his home in Collinsville. He was born on August 26, 1945, in Worden, IL, the son of the late Joseph Amos and Dorothy Ellen (Deshaney) Kelso. He married Carol Theresa Scheibe on December 2, 1967 in Edwardsville, IL, at Trinity Lutheran Church. She survives. Paul is also survived by his three children; Caine Kelso and his wife, Kara, of Alhambra, IL, Chad Kelso and his wife, Robin, of St. Jacob, IL, and Paula Kelso of Edwardsville. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Aaron Kelso and his wife, Allison, of Highland, Adam Kelso of Alhambra, Ali Kelso of Alhambra, Cody Kelso of New Douglas, and Reyes Kelso of St. Jacob; one brother, Bob Kelso of Sorento, IL; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Scheibe and his wife, Kathy, of Edwardsville, as well as nieces and nephews. He was a devoted father and enjoyed spending time with his family most. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. After graduating high school, Paul joined the United States Marines Corp. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California during the time of the Vietnam War. Paul held several jobs throughout his life, and while his early work on the farm held a special place in his heart, he spent most of his career with the U.S. Post Office in Edwardsville, retiring after 31 years. He enjoyed wood carving, bird watching, dances at the senior center, and traveling, especially camping trips with his son and family, bus trips and a surprise 30th anniversary trip to Hawaii with his wife, and traveling to Scotland and Ireland with his daughter. He liked to keep busy tinkering and fixing old things to bring them new life and building and remodeling everything on his own. He enjoyed learning new things and meeting new people. He never knew a stranger and was kind and generous to all he met. Paul was a member and formerly a trustee and Vice President of the congregation at St. James Lutheran Church in Glen Carbon. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and former prop master for St. Louis Ballet. Paul donated his body to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to further the advancement of medical education and research. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association.