SKOWHEGAN--Robert (Bob) Kelso, 79, peacefully left his earthly home for his heavenly home on Sept. 21, 2018. Bob was born on Sept. 24, 1938 in Concord, NH. He was the son of Thomas E. Kelso and Vivian G. Lowell Kelso.
His elementary school years were in the Boscawen and Penacook, NH. In 1952 his family moved to Hartland, ME, where he completed his education, graduating from Hartland Academy in 1957.
He married the former Frances Barney of Skowhegan, after which, he moved to Skowhegan and resided there for many years, until his passing.
Bob’s first job was at the Hartland Tannery, where his father was a supervisor. Following his move to Skowhegan, he worked at the local shoe factories. Most of those years were spent at Dexter Shoe Co. factory in Skowhegan. This job was one where he traveled to all the other local Dexter factories, where he met many people that he grew up with and formed lasting friendships with. Bob retired at 62 from his job because of the shutdown at the Skowhegan factory. He was bored with retirement and found a fun job at the Kenaco gas station on Madison Ave., in Skowhegan. He loved to laugh and joke with people, this ended up being a great job for that. He made many friends while at this job.
Bob had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He would talk with anyone and loved to joke and tease everyone. He loved to hunt and fish and did so every season for years. He was so lucky to have gone on so many Moose hunts with his sons and friends. He loved the special holidays, when all the family would gather at his home and share Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with more food than was necessary. No one ever left hungry, so many wonderful memories.
Bob and Frances raised their three children in Skowhegan at the family home on West Front Street.
Bob is survived by his wife Frances, his three children, Michelle Kelso, Robert Kelso II, and Jason Kelso and his wife, Jennell, six grandchildren, that he loved very much. Michelle’s children, Marty Ashe and Clarissa Ashe, Bob’s children, Jack Kelso and Kate Kelso, Jason’s children, Maliea Kelso and Mason Kelso, one sister, JoAnne Morgan of West Palm Beach, FL., one brother, Jon Peter Kelso and his wife, Angie, of Peaks Island, ME., two brother-in-laws, Jeffery Barney and his wife, Brenda, Harry Barney and his wife, Sue, all of Skowhegan, many Nieces and Nephews.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Vivian Kelso, his in-laws, Charles and Melvina Barney, his brother, Thomas Kelso Jr., Tom’s wife, Christine and their son, Thomas III, brother’s-in-law, Charles Barney Jr., and Thirnwood Morgan, one sister-in law, Rosanna Barney.
A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct 6, 2018 at 11:00 am, at the Sunset View Cemetery, US Route 2 in Norridgewock, ME. A celebration of life will be held at the Kelso home, 82 West Front St., Skowhegan following the service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave ., Skowhegan.
The family would like to thank everyone who has had a hand in Bob’s health care over the last three months. We have met some of the most compassionate people in the world. Your help and care was much appreciated by his whole family.
