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.

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Condolences(32)

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

Grandpa Otto’s home with you now love you both so much..
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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
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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
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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 .
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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.
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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
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Mike & Nancy Kelso family says
September 5, 2019 at 5:15 am

You will be greatly missed, dear Uncle Lawrence…though I may have not seen you as much as I should have I always relished the phone calls and talks we would have..especially around holidays…you were the last of a generation of Kelsos and many were taken way too soon! But, I will always have special, fond memories of you..from way back 60 years ago as a little kid all the way until I talked to you a short while before your passing. My heart goes out to Aunt Bobbie, cousins Debbie, Donnie, and all the Kelsos..Love to you all!
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Larry Bush says
September 4, 2019 at 11:21 pm

Always there if you needed a hand. Helped me more than once.. And he would always listen to what you have to say. Got to know him through my wife, linda. Could count on him as a friend.
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Jessica Rodriguez says
September 4, 2019 at 6:03 pm

I remember when I started Roselawn my sophomore year. We lived out on linwood about 3 properties down from the Kelso’s. Anyways my bus dropped me off on Walnut. He would always give me a ride when he seen me.
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Linda Holland Bush says
September 4, 2019 at 5:21 pm

Dear Bobbie,Debbie,Donnie and family, you all know how much Lawrence Was loved by our family for 69 years, and Bobbie best friend of 60 years. Kelso was a fun, loving and most generous man I have known and along side of him Charlie Hatton who we just lost August 4 th. I recently saw Kelso in the parking lot at the Paramount Nursing Home. We both were there to visit Charlie Hatton and as we entered the building, Kelso and I sat and visited. Kelso was in terrible pain, but managed to tell a couple of stories which I had heard many times and I listened as if I had never heard th stories before. Before I left the nursing home, Kelso in all his pain said ” Let me take you to lunch before you head back to Sacramento”, I thanked him but said I needed to get going and told him, you get to the doctor Lawrence. Lawrence called me later that day to make sure I got home okay. That is the loving Kelso, always put others before himself. Thank you Kelso for the great memories and your love. RIP my friend, you will always remain in my heart. Love and prayers to you Bobbie and Kelso family.
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Corey Godfrey says
September 4, 2019 at 4:39 pm

I’m sorry I never got to meet Lawrence but, I did have the pleasure of meeting Barbara on my Amtrak bus one day a few weeks ago totally by chance. I’ve known the Bob and Betty Kelso family since 1975 all of whom I love and respect. It was an honor and a pleasure to meet you Barbara. You have my deepest condolences for your loss! I’m sure he was a fine man as told by your friends and relatives here and I would’ve been glad to have known him. I’ve never known a bad Kelso! If he was anything like his brother Bob he was a great guy! I hope to see in the future Barbara! All the best to your family!
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Richard Dominguez says
September 4, 2019 at 4:07 pm

I remember getting in the truck with my dad Herman Dominguez going down to kelso’s them bullshiting for a little bit a while and then us going home and fixing our vehicle sincere condolences
Dominguez families.
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Bill pursley says
September 4, 2019 at 4:49 am

It has been many years ago that Lawrence and I became friends. It was probably in the sixth or seventy grade. He has been a great friend. I can’t count the times my family the shackelford and the Bronson family use to be together I thank the Kelso family for many great memories. The Pursley family sed our condolences to you Bobble and your family Lawrence certainly be missed by many.
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Manuel and Celeste Drumonde says
September 4, 2019 at 4:46 am

Lawrence was the best neighbor a person could have, always willing to help and would give you the shirt off his back.
Rest in peace FRIEND.
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Carol McRoberts says
September 4, 2019 at 3:59 am

I’m so sorry Barbara my heart goes out to you and your family. He always been a real people person❤️
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Lana Rodgrrs says
September 4, 2019 at 3:01 am

I just typed up my mom’s remembrance I made a typo (or my phone is on spell correct).
It waz suppose to be Merced Avenue in Deli California
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Reda Rodgers says
September 4, 2019 at 2:55 am

I’ve alwayz loved u Lawrence ever since u lived on Mercedes Avenue in Delhi.
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Chris Brizendine says
September 4, 2019 at 2:54 am

He was a good man good father good friend to everone that crossed his path in life so i know he is at the side of god as we speek no more pain RIP and god bless the Kelso Family
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Bart Sargenti says
September 4, 2019 at 2:14 am

Rest In Peace Lawrence! Sending condolences to the Kelso family.
Bart Sargenti and Family
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Louisa Allen says
September 4, 2019 at 1:19 am

We have lost a wonderful man who cared about life. We remember so many things about Lawrence and his caring about the friends. One thing, is the phone calls we would receive on Thanksgiving morning wishing us a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! He is really going to be missed by all who crossed his path. May his family be at peace with the knowledge he is out of his pain. We know each of you suffered along with him. May he rest in peace.

Louisa and Ron Allen
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Paul and Sandra says
September 3, 2019 at 11:56 pm

Lawrenc’s pain and suffering is now over. Now it’s for famlly and everyone who knew and loved him .He was just a good old soul. He will be missed by all.Rest In Peace Our Friend
Paul And Sandra Binford
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Jesse Godinez says
September 3, 2019 at 11:03 pm

There are two things I have fond memories of that Lawrence Kelso will be part of. Turlock Little League and the Derby. I have others but these two are my most cherished. People go through life thinking nobody’s paying attention but as a kid I did. I saw a generous, infectious and fun loving man. I paid attention how he treated people and especially us kids. My heartfelt condolences to the Kelso family on behalf of my family. Thank you Lawrence for always being an example of what “Good people” should be…
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Iris Shackelford Larson says
September 3, 2019 at 10:42 pm

I’m so sorry to hear of his passing but there’s another angel in heaven! What a wonderful reunion with those who went before him. Yes, Black Oak was one off his favorite places. I saw him there several times. I grew up with the Kelso family and Lawrence was such a wonderful, kind man. Every time I saw him he always had a kind word. My prayers to all the family.
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Lawrence Rose says
September 3, 2019 at 10:09 pm

No truer words have been said about a person then has been written here about Lawrence, He was a kind and gentle person that always went out of his way to say hello or shake your hand, may your soul rest in peace! Lawrence & Brenda
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Tom Acri says
September 3, 2019 at 9:46 pm

I am saddened to learn of Lawrence passing. My condolences to his Family and Friends.

Tom Acri
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thomas adams says
September 3, 2019 at 9:18 pm

he was a very nice all ways help me rip my friend
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Virginia shackelford says
September 3, 2019 at 9:14 pm

Lawrence was a very special and loving perso. He loved our family and we loved him . Yes and Him and his brother Gene would have been a match. So sorry to hear of His passing, but what glorious reunion he is having. I will pray for you Barbara, because I know the hole it leaves your heart.
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Paula Kelso Nolen says
September 3, 2019 at 6:21 pm

To my uncle who was so full of life and reminded me so much of what my dad, his brother Gene, might have been like. I loved you and was so glad to have seen you in 2017. You and dad try to behave when you meet again.

May all the family find peace and comfort in wonderful memories with him.
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Kim Kelso says
September 3, 2019 at 6:15 pm

Rest in peace Uncle. We will miss you & your visits to Stockton CA. We always enjoyed when you would stop by just to say hi or have a sweet treat or sandwich with a cup of coffee, Always nice to get caught up on what he was doing, working on or where he was coming from or where he was headed. I would be disappointed when I would find your business card on my desk “I new I had missed you”.

You will be deeply missed.

Love Kim & Monique Kelso
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Todd Anderson says
September 3, 2019 at 5:17 pm

To the Kelso family, our condolences to each of you on the loss of Lawrence. What a great smile, a great handshake, a great and helpful man, who would help anyone in his path. Your entire family has always shown me and my family that smile and kindness. Thanks for sharing him with all of us!
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JoLynn DiGrazia says
September 3, 2019 at 4:39 pm

Mr. Kelso is one of my all time favorite people EVER. No one cared as deeply as he cared.
It shows in the love he has for his family and our community. He wanted to see things be better no matter what. Condolences to all.
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