Kelly

Billy Conn Kelly, 80, of Dorchester, Ill., died at his residence on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. He was born Dec. 7, 1942, in Gillespie, to James Orville Kelly and Celia Dillon Kelly.

He retired in May 2023 after having been a Gillespie Township Road Commissioner for 26 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Billy enjoyed his collection of International Tractors and working on them with his buddies, Jerry Johnson, Terry Johnson and Dave Cox. He loved buying tractors, going to auctions, and going out for breakfast with Jim Duncan. He also enjoyed endless trips around the countryside. He will be missed by his friend, Lisa Loveless.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Bill) Alepra of Dorchester; grandchildren, Jacob (companion, Addison Bryant) Alepra, Samantha Alepra, Sarah (Alex) Lamparter; great-grandchild, Landon Lamparter; and siblings, Joe Kelly, Jim Kelly, Doris Donaldson, Freida Malloy, Betty Heck, Marjorie Taylor, and Mary Lou Jubelt. Billy was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; siblings, John Kelly, Junior Kelly, Arlene Griva, Ellen Clemonds, Edna Audi; and the mother of his daughter, Patty Bernhardt.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Burial will be at Gillespie Cemetery in Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to Landon Lamparter College Fund or Gillespie High School Softball. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.