Extracted from The Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, NM)
Walton Bentley Kelly
Walton Bentley (Buster) Kelly, 80, a resident of Rio Rancho, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, April 30, 1998 at the Valle Norte Caring Center.
Buster was born January 11, 1918 the son of James W. and Zelma Bentley Kelly in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Buster served in the 7th Calvary at Ft. Bliss, Texas then transferred to the Air Force in the early 1940's. Flying 35 missions in a B24 for The Mighty 8th over Nazi Germany during WWII. He returned to flying again during the Korean conflict, thus being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross among many other commendations awarded during his 22 years of military service.
After the Korean conflict Buster managed NCO Clubs around the world, Hickom AFB, Travis AFB, Beale AFB, High Wycombe AFB, England, Norton AFB, Kirtland AFB, Nellis AFB, finally retiring from the Air Force in 1962. He then entered the Civil Service for another 20 years, working in Club Management.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Addie; one brother, Roy Kelly and his wife, Betty of Riverside, CA; children, Jerry Kelly and wife, Sandy of Calif., Mike Kelly and wife, Ruth of Singapore, Steven Kelly and wife, Gina of Albuquerque, Linda Goff and husband, Russ of Albuquerque, Leslie Hutz and husband, John of Orchard Park, NY, Tracy Kapple and husband, Kirk of Albuquerque, Carol Mentze and husband, Larry of San Diego, CA; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A Service for Buster will be held on Monday, May 4, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho with the Rev. Walter Smith III officiating. Interment will be in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 1:00 p.m. Military Honors by the Auxiliary Honor Guard of New Mexico.
Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary.
Saturday, May 2, 1998