Roll Call Tribute

Robert M. Kelly, Jr. 

March 27, 1942 - June 23, 2025 

Robert M. Kelly, Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Kelly, Sr., was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and spent his youth in Lonoke and Sheridan, Arkansas. He quickly earned the nickname of Little Doc as he rode in the Willys jeep on house calls with his father. The family moved to Marlin, Texas, when Dr. Kelly accepted a position with the V.A. Regional Hospital. In Marlin "Doc" Kelly distinguished himself on the cornet in high school band and at various events. It was in Marlin he met the love of his life, Marylin Sue McGregor. Doc graduated from Tyler Junior College, cum laude, 1962, and with a degree in Electrical Engineering at Texas A & M University, 1964, which led to his position as Manager of Future Planning at Brazos Electric Power, Coop., Inc., in Waco, Texas.

Marylin and Robert were married July 31, 1965. He was a proud and devoted father of his children, Walter Joel and Karen Emily, enthusiastically bringing their spouses, Jeff Kostohryz and Jill Bowen, into his family. Grandchildren, Elizabeth Mary Grace Kostohryz and Owen McGregor Kelly, completed his joy. Of course, he loved his parrot, Alex.

Never lukewarm, Robert was passionate about computer programming, photography, and vacations in National Parks, the Canadian Rockies, and Disney World. He proudly sang as a baritone in the Singing Cadets of Texas A and M University and remained an avid fan of Aggie football. Upon retirement, Marylin and Robert built a home in McKinney, Texas, to be near their family. They joined friends for golf and met new friends in community and at Trinity Presbyterian Church of McKinney.

As a testament to his mature faith and dedicated service to others, not only was Robert active during his teenage years, but later and in Waco, Robert chaired a large church's building committee, designing the sound system, sang in choirs, led an adult Sunday School department, and built two playgrounds. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, confident in his home in Heaven, and anticipating being with loved ones.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Bob and Sue Kelly, his sisters, Carrie Sue Sullivan and Judy Robins, his brother-in-law, A. Eugene Sullivan, and his niece, Patricia Sullivan. He is survived by his wife, Marylin, his children, (Walter) Olivia and Karen, grandchildren, Ellie and Owen, and his brother TJ Miles Kelly.

A memorial service will be held July 19, 2025, at 2:00 in the afternoon in the McCoy Chapel of Trinity Presbyterian Church of McKinney.