Ronald Dean Kelly Visitation and Funeral

Carbondale, IL
Mon, Apr 14, 2008
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Ronald Dean Kelly, 69, of De Soto passed away at 5:55 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, in St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in Murdale Baptist Church in Carbondale. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2008, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.


Ron was born Sept. 17, 1938, in Quincy to Lillian M. Johns and Wren Kelly.

He married Joyce Roberson in June 1968. She passed away in February 1992. He then married Bernadette Zimmer of Carbondale on Nov. 1, 1993. She survives.

Other survivors include two adopted children, Vince Kelly and Mona Klaffer; seven grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Orr; and one brother, Richard Kelly, and his wife, Linda.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one adopted son, Brian Kelly; and brother-in-law, Wes Orr.

Ron attended the Wataga Congregational Church while growing up and most recently attended Murdale Baptist Church.

Ron served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, including two years at Ladd AFB in the Alaska Air Command. He then came to Carbondale to begin his schooling at Southern Illinois University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management.

In 1964 he began his 27-year aviation career at the Southern Illinois Airport. During the last 12 years there, Ron served as director of the Southern Illinois University Air Institute and Service.

During his aviation career, Ron was an inspiration to hundreds of aviation students.

Ron was a member of the University Aviation Association and 25-year board member of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

Ron also helped to establish the SIU Flying Club, SIU Flying Team and the Sigma Chapter (SIU) of Alpha Eta Rho, professional aviation fraternity.

In 1997, Ron was elected National President of the NIFA Foundation, National President of Alpha Eta Rho, and Life Time Member of the NIFA Board.

In addition, Ron served on the Flight Training Committee for the National Air Transportation Association in Washington, D.C., and was a long-standing, accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives in Washington, D.C.

Ron's lifetime of outstanding service to aviation was honored in 2006 when he was inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame.

During his retired years, Ron taught General Aviation Management for SIU at various off-campus military bases as well as on campus.

From 1977 to 1999 Ron was President of the De Soto Lions Club.

Memorials may be made to Murdale Baptist Church or other charity of the donor's choice.

What People are Saying About steelwater.com and Aviation Enthusiast

Anna, IL
Fri, Apr 11, 2008
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Following are some quotes from readers of the www.steelwater.com website and Aviation Enthusiast^TM newsletter.

"Your newsletters are really very informative and interesting. They are tuned to the local goings on which is great."
   Bernie Lillick, April 2, 2008
   Mt. Vernon, IL

"We thank you for all you do for Angel Flight Central. Your involvement and dedication is vital to the hundreds of people who need our help in the months ahead"
   Brenda Champagne, February 28, 2008
   Angel Flight Central Missions Director

"Look forward to the postings in the newsletter."
   Dennis Hannon, Feb 3, 2008
   Southern Illinois University Department of Aviation Technologies

"Thanks for everything you are doing to promote aviation in Southern Illinois. The newsletter is great! Your efforts are appreciated!!!"
   Chris Collins, Feb 1, 2008
   Airport Manager Mount Vernon Outland Airport (KMVN)

"Thanks Bob, I always appreciate your prompt, detailed replies."
   Michael Johnson, Jan 9, 2008
   Herrin, IL

"This is just a new year starter outer to you to express my appreciation for your newsletter. You are serving a special section of the country, the Midwest, with really important and factual information that we would not normally be able to know about on a wide variety of topics. You even helped me this past year in getting help for my Angel Flight booth at our air show in October. Have a good year and keep us informed about the hot topics etc."
   Bernie Lillick, Jan 2, 2008
   Mt. Vernon, Illinois

"Your very kind! Thanks for the recommendation and have a great week!"
   Marvin Campbell, November 5, 2007
   Airport Manager Sparta Community Airport (KSAR)

"Very nice of you."
   Bob Morgan, Nov 1, 2007
   N1142G, Jefferson City, MO

"Thanks--a great newsletter."
   Max Firebaugh, Oct 1, 2007

"You are doing an excellent job with your online newsletter."
   Sam Hoskins, July 5, 2007
   www.MistakeProofing.Net

"We appreciate all that you are doing for the pilots."
   Ken and Lori Robinson, June 14, 2007
   Carbondale, IL

"You have an EXCELLENT site Bob. Very well designed , and extremely informative. Your Ch. 277 event listings and details are really helpful. Thanks again!"
   Michael Johnson, May 12, 2007
   Herrin, IL

"Thanks for adding the AFSS - FAAST program agenda to your messaging system and getting the word out."
   John Voges, March 2, 2007
   Southern Illinois University Chief Flight Instructor

"Thanks for the info!"
   Lyle Robb, Feb 23, 2007
   Murphysboro, IL

"Keep up the good work."
   Bill Oplah, August 01, 2006
   Makanda, IL

"Bob, I wish more men were like you. I would like to meet you sometime and personally thank you for all you are doing for the Wings of Charity."
   Ken Robinson, July 5, 2006
   Southern Illinois Wings of Charity

"Thanks Bob! I certainly do appreciate that."
   Jim Zimmer, June 21, 2006
   Advantage Aviation Insurance

"Just received the latest newsletter. Like everything I am seeing."
   Tabitha Parsons, March 2, 2006
   Publix Plant Safety Officer

Angel Flight Needs Your Help!

Anna, IL
Wed, Apr 09, 2008
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Angel Flight Central needs your help. Following are typical missions:

THURSDAY, APRIL 10: Man (210 lbs) with neurofibrosis (tumors in his nervous system) on his way to the M D Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, TX, needs a flight from St. Joseph, MO (STJ) to McAlester, OK (MLC) in link 2 of 3 of a flight originating in Minneapolis, MN. He will need a return flight, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, MLC to STJ.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11: Testicular cancer patient (290 lbs) returning home from treatment at University Hospital in Indianapolis needs a flight from Sikeston, MO (SIK) to Hot Springs, AR (HOT) in link 2 of 3 of a flight ending in Ft. Worth, TX.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11: Cancer patient (210 lbs) returning home from treatment at M D Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, TX with his wife (190 lbs) needs a flight from McKinney, TX (TKI) to Independence, KS (IDP).

MONDAY, APRIL 14: 14 year old (95 lbs) with a hemangioma and her dad (185 lbs) returning home from the Shrine Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, needs a flight from Mt. Vernon, IL (MVN) to Kansas City, MO (MKC) in link 2 of 2.

MONDAY, APRIL 14: Breast cancer patient (metastasized to brain & arm) (145 lbs) on her way to M D Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston with her husband (230 lbs) need a flight from Mosby, MO (GPH) to Mena, AR (MEZ) in link 1 of 2. They will need a return flight, MEZ to GPH on THURSDAY, APRIL 17.

MONDAY, APRIL 14: 2 children (46 & 14 lbs) with Kostmann Syndrome traveling to Cook Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth, TX for bone marrow evaluation with mom & dad (220 & 265 lbs) and need a flight from Hays, KS (HYS) to El Reno, OK (RQO) in link 1 of 2. They will need a return flights, THURSDAY, APRIL 17, RQO to HYS.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15: Prostate cancer patient (215 lbs) on his way to treatment at the M D Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, TX with his wife (220 lbs) needs a flight from Sedalia, MO (DMO) to Paris, TX (PRX) in link 1 of 2. They will need a return flight, THURSDAY, APRIL 17, M89 to DMO.

If you are available to help with any of these requests please call the Angel Flight office at 816-421-2300 or toll free at 877-621-7177 or accept the flight via the web site at www.angelflightcentral.org.

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 277 Breakfast Gathering

Crainville, IL
Sat, Apr 19, 2008 · 8:30am
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LOCATION: Pioneer's Cabin Restaurant

Come join Carbondale's Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 277 for a hot breakfast and hangar talk.

Pioneer's Cabin
1000 Pioneer Cabin Drive
Crainville, IL 62918

Pioneer's Cabin Website

Sporty's Hot Dog Fly-In

Batavia, OH
Sat, Apr 19, 2008 · 12:00pm-2:00pm
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LOCATION: Clermont County Airport (I69)

A Sporty's Hot Dog Fly-In takes place every Saturday at Clermont County (I69).

Free hot dogs from noon until 2 p.m.

Contact Jason Pruitt at (513) 735-9500.

Young Eagle Rides

Carbondale, IL
Sat, Apr 19, 2008 · 8:00am
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LOCATION: Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH) Aviation Technology Building

Planes and pilots needed.

Contact Charlie Rodriguez (618) 534-1105.

Heroes of the Heart

Kansas City, MO
Sat, Apr 19, 2008 · 6:00pm-9:00pm
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LOCATION: Kansas City Public Library

Angel Flight Central's annual celebration honoring volunteers and supporters.

Admist the many setbacks I have battled, there shines a beacon of hope...that is you." -- AFC Passenger Colleen

Gourmet buffet dinner and valet parking provided.

Contact Joan Nickum, (877) 621-7177 x204, or (816) 421-2300 x204, or joan@angelflightcentral.org.

Seeking Employment

Electronic Engineer/Commercial Pilot

Anna, IL
Sun, Mar 16, 2008
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Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, Southeast Missouri.

24+ years of hardware, firmware, and software experience in the electronics sector.

500+ "pilot in command" (PIC) hours, over an 18 year span, in the aviation sector.

8 years of college education and over 14 years of on-the-job experience, including:

• B.S. Electronic Engineering Technology
• A.A.S. Avionic Systems
• Commercial Pilot with Instrument Rating (ASEL)
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
• FCC General Radio Telephone Operators License (GROL)
• 14 years Electronic Design Engineering for RF Telemetry Company

Motivated, willing, and able! Contact:

Robert D. Carter
Steelwater Solutions Corporation
2700 Campground Road
Anna, IL 62906-3315

(618) 534-5387 phone
(866) 205-6250 fax
rcarter@steelwater.com email
www.steelwater.com website

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