Marion Kelly Walraven

Marion Kelly Walraven

1943-2021

Marion Kelly Walraven was born July 15, 1943 in San Angelo, Tx. to Alvin J. and Gwendolyn Walraven. He was a graduate and a member of the swim team of San Angelo Central High School. He was a 9th Marine, Purple Heart VietNam Veteran and had earned his wings as a paratrooperin the Marine Corp. Reserve. After graduation from A&M he taught Math in Dallas Middle School then moved to Houston to work for Union Pacific Railroad. In 1986 he moved to Smithville, commuting to Houston until he retired form the RR. Trained as a firefighter, Kelly was a volunteer at the Smithville's Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department in the late 1980's and 90's. He moved to Paige with his new wife in September 1999, becoming partner with her in the towing business after losing his job at AMD. In 2013 they relocated to Bastrop. A backhoe survived the 2011 Fire Complex and he continued to use it until 2019 to help people free of charge. He attended the Church of Christ from childhood but was later involved in Children's Church Ministry at an Interdenominational Church. In 2014 he became a member of the First Baptist Church by baptism and served in a couple of committees. Kelly was diagnosed with ALS in March 9th 2021 and lost all function of his bodybut never lost his faith nor his witty sense of humor. In October 26th 2021 he departed to be with his Savior who granted his petition of a fast and painless death. Kelly touched many people with his thoughtfulness and generosity. He was always willing to serve, even after death. He donated his body to the Anthropology and Forensic Center for investigative studies. He was preceded in death by sister Celeste Walraven and is survived by Elda Ford Walraven, his wife of 22 years, her sons Paul E. Ford and wife Jennifer of Round Rock, Kenneth C. Ford and wife Isabel of Bastrop, and four grandchildren. Daughters Staci R. Walraven of San Angelo and a son, David S. Walraven and wife Janie of Grand Prarie, cousins Betty Hoffman and husband Jonathan of Austin and an unknown amount of relatives.

****He also was a Marine League- Restoration & preservation of Military Vehicles& was a Disabled American Veteran

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marion Kelly Walraven, please visit our floral store.