Lawrence Hayes Kelso

February 1937 – August 2019

Born February 5, 1937 in Lawrenceburg, TN to Marcus and Evelyn Kelso. Died August 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gene Kelso, Robert Kelso and Edward Kelso, sisters Leola Trigg and Melva Ferguson, son Douglas Kelso and great-grandson Josiah Garza. Survived by his wife of 60 years Barbara Kelso, daughter Deborah Kelso, son Donald Kelso, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He loved, adored and enjoyed his family. He was a business owner since 1959, when he started his business. He was a hard worker all his life. He was a Turlock City Volunteer Fireman for several years, a member of the Moose Lodge, and involved with Little League during his son’s Little League career. He was a one of a kind man who thought he was a doctor with an MD behind his name, the vet to his animals, and a one man firefighter–he could fix anything. He loved people, especially everyone he knew. Even if he couldn’t remember your name, he would talk your ear off telling stories you probably already heard. He would visit every friend, foe or family member that was sick, in the hospital, or nursing home. He couldn’t go anywhere without people knowing him–he was a people person. He loved deer hunting or going fishing, and oh the stories that he could tell about those adventures. He always had advice, whether you wanted to hear it or not, and he never knew a stranger.

He wanted to thank all his loyal customers. One of his joys in life was going to Black Oak Casino, unfortunately this time the odds were not in his favor.

A celebration of Lawrence’s life will be held at Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave., Turlock on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Ste. 1110N, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Condolences(32)

Monique Evelyn says
May 21, 2022 at 8:39 am

Grandpa Otto’s home with you now love you both so much..
Monique Evelyn Garza says
July 24, 2021 at 12:58 am

Grandpa I miss you everyday
Love you so much.
Monique Evelyn Garza says
July 15, 2021 at 2:56 pm

And grandpa ,I moved away from that family just like you told me too.
Have had ups and downs,but I will be alright. In god’s timing he will bring my children and brother and grandkids my way
I love you so much
And you were right about so much
But I see now more then ever
Ours hearts are nothing like the rest lol
Love u grandpa
Monique Evelyn Garza says
July 15, 2021 at 2:39 pm

Grandpa
You are missed daily.
Sometime’s I sit and talk as if you were still here.
Gosh these last few years has been harder then any challenges ,or paths I have chosen to live before.
Things are so different without you.
Otto misses you and I keep him in prayer
That he learns to be the man you install in his heart, he will shine just like u If so
I think the hardest things since you been gone ,is you just not there ,for us no matter what.
The love , wisdom , understanding Even if when u were mad. No longer is available in the family you build.
I hear some of the last things words you said ,in my heart daily .. and that what’s keeps me moving forward to a better life.
I love u so much and can’t wait for you to welcome me with open arms the day heaven receives me
God bless you grandfather for all you were
Love monique Evelyn Garza
Monique Evelyn Garza says
December 11, 2020 at 5:47 am

Grandpa, life will never be the same without you. But I live now each day with your wisdom, love, and guidance knowing my steps from here on out cant go wrong .thank you for all you ever were I was blessed to have you as my grandfather in more ways them one. See you again one day . Oh and the tables will turn I have stories for u ,hope u ready to listen lol.. loved missed you are with each breath I take .
Antoinette Neto-Lamb says
September 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm

Our hearts go out to Bobbie, Debbie, Donnie and all the Kelso family. Kelso’s and the Neto’s go way back. Lawrence will be greatly missed by all. We could always count on Lawrence with a big smile and a helping hand. He had a huge heart and a true friend. RIP our dear friend. Until we meet again, Love The Lamb’s, Kirt, Antoinette and family.
Sheri Soderquist-LaCross says
September 5, 2019 at 3:35 pm

My sincere condolences to the whole Kelso family..Bobbie, Debbie, Donnie, Lisa & children. Our family has known the Kelso’s our entire life & what amazing people!! Lawrence was a family man through & through & I’m sure that his family, as well as his friends & community will miss him.

Sheri Soderquist-LaCross