Arthur Kelley

Arthur Kelley was born to Frank Kelley of Galveston, Texas, and Fannie (Cobb) Kelley of Topeka, Kansas on February 1, 1933 in Tulare, California. He was the last of eight children born to the couple. At the young age of 4 his mother passed away and at the age of 10 his father passed away as well. He was forced to move from home to home and dealing with some of the most difficult living conditions. His sister Bertha Collins took Arthur into her arms and into her home in Oakland, California where he would go on to attend school. After graduating John H. Polytechnic High School, he attended U. C. Berkley. Soon after he moved to Los Angeles where he attended LA Trade Tech, and further enhanced his education at the University of Southern California. Like all his brothers before him, his country was in need, so he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was a member of the 6605th Air Police Squadron. Arthur served his country proudly for many years before he received an Honorable Discharge in 1956. Upon his return to Los Angeles he worked for North American Aviation, and was a sous chef for Chef Milani on KABC 7. He then became self-employed and was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 986, were he retired. He was a very hard worker and an excellent provider. He met Miss Elisa Ceja in the year of 1958. When he first saw her, he knew she was someone special. He courted her for some time and took her to some of the most marvelous clubs and entertainment. They were both exceptional dancers, so he took her dancing every opportunity he had. They were a match made on the dance floor, and in Heaven. With the consent of Mrs. Isabel Ceja, Arthur asked Miss Elisa Ceja to become his wife. They were married on October 7, 1961, and were married for over 50 years. The couple soon decided to grow and in 1963 they started their family. Arthur and Elisa had three children, Richard, Karla, and Annette. Arthur, as well as Elisa, taught their children that education was everything, and you should never have to rely on anyone, but yourself. He fathered his children with an iron fist, and a compassionate heart. He always wanted the best for his family and made sure to provide for them. Arthur's great passion for his family led to numerous family road trips. He would throw every one into his yellow van and would travel up and down the coast, ending up in various locations. He took his family everywhere from visiting family, as well as going to Disneyland, Magic Mountain, San Francisco, Oakland, and Tijuana. As long as they were together they were having fun. The Kelley's would have wonderful birthday parties, barbecues, and get together, providing great food and music. In 1989 his family expanded again with the first of four grandchildren. He preached education to them as well as provided them the same love and care as he did his own children. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. On August 11, 2015 our beloved Arthur was called to join our Lord in Heaven and is united with his wife on the dance floor once again. He is survived by his children Richard, Karla, and Annette, as well as his grandchildren Christopher, Isabel, Erika, Karlie and one great grandchild Bryan.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275