Joseph H. Kelley, 72, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:45 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Heartland Healthcare in Normal.
His Celebration of Life service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington with Rev. Carl LoPresti officiating. Interment will be private. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Joe was born July 22, 1943 in Colfax, the son of Joseph E. Kelley and Dorothy F. Powell. He married Dianne K. Demling on February 12, 1972 in Colfax. She survives.
He is also survived by a daughter, Sarah (Greg R. Bradford) Kelley of Normal; two grandchildren, Amalya Ileen Kelley and Gregory Joseph Bradford; one sister, Mary Copenhaver of Bloomington; one brother, David (Wendell Casey) Kelley of Tulsa, OK; a sister-in-law, Ellen Kelley of Hudson and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Justin Joseph Kelley, his parents and a brother, Paul Kelley.
Judge Kelley received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 1967. He graduated with honors from William and Mary Law School, Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1970. Joe was appointed to the 11th Judicial Circuit in 1974 and retired from the bench in 2000.Thereafter, he resumed a private practice.
Joe enjoyed music, traveling, photography and was an avid “World of Outlaws” sprint car fan. However, in his recent years, his favorite past-time was spending time with his grandchildren.
Joe’s family would like to thank his many friends and family for their care and support during these past weeks. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
