Carroll Emerson O'Kelley

Carroll Emerson O'Kelley, Sr. "C.E.", 93, of Abilene, passed away Monday, June 25, 2012 at a local hospital. Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Elmwood Memorial in the Garden of Faith section. Dr. Phil Christopher will officiate. There will be no public visitation. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. C.E. was born February 3, 1919 in Little Rock Arkansas to Columbus Owen and Grace Pearl (Pyles) O'Kelley. He married Marian Frances Harvey on August 14, 1943 in Abilene, Texas. The couple met at Camp Barkley where she was a member of the Bluebonnet Brigade. C.E. served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946 where he served as Captain of the 59th Medical Training Battalion. After his honorable discharge from the Army, the couple moved back to Abilene where he worked numerous jobs before opening O'Kelley Office Supply in 1955. He remained Chairman of the Board of O'Kelley Office Supply until his death. He was a hard worker and had a strong work ethic. He was a man of strong moral character and you could always count on what he told you. C.E. was a lifetime member of the Baptist church. He was a longtime member of University Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, a Sunday school teacher, served as Treasure of the Finance Committee and was a member of the Building Committee. He was a current member of First Baptist Church in Abilene. Upon his retirement, C.E was faithful to read and study his Bible daily. He was also a longtime member of the Abilene Kiwanis Club. C.E. and Marian belonged to numerous social clubs. They loved to travel and went to many destinations. He and Marian had many beloved poodles over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marian Frances O'Kelley on July 20, 2011; his daughter, Carolyn O'Kelley Donaldson in 2007; five brothers, Ralph, Ted, Ned, Owen and James; as well as five sisters, Bernadine, Iris, Kathleen, Jacquelyn and Bobbye. C.E. is survived by one son, Carroll O'Kelley, Jr. and his wife Susan of Abilene; one daughter, Marilyn O'Kelley Chittum and her husband Roger also of Abilene; one grandson, Kelly Chittum; three great-grandchildren, Jenna, Austin and Aaron and their mother Machael Chittum; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family expresses special thanks to longtime family friend and caregiver, Leta Marsh, as well as all of C.E.'s other caregivers. They would like to extend a special thanks to Wisteria Place Assisted Living, Hendrick Hospice Care, and the staff of Abilene Regional Medical Center's Emergency Room and hospital. Memorials may be given in C.E.'s honor to the Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas Chapter, 301 South Pioneer Drive, Suite 105, Abilene, Texas 79605; or to the Taylor Jones Humane Society, 2301 North 3rd St., Abilene, Texas 79603.