William George Kelso (aka Will or Poppee), 87, of Berlin, Md., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his Family, on February 27, 2020 at his home in Ocean Pines, Maryland. William was born June 17, 1932 to William Joseph and Elisabeth Kelso in Baltimore, Maryland, the oldest of three children.
He graduated from Paterson Park High School, and joined the US Coast Guard in 1952. After William left the US Coast guard he started college The Citadel. While at The Citadel, he married his wife of 60 years, Arline Hayden Kelso. William continued his education and acquired an engineering degree from The Citadel and a Master degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Will lived in Edgewood, MD for 32 years where he raised his family, and worked as a federal employee, supporting the National Guard. He enjoyed playing, watching and especially coaching sports. He was an active member in his community as he coached football, baseball, and basketball. William is still known as Coach Kelso to a generation of athletes from the Edgewood area. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge.
Upon retirement, William moved to Ocean Pines where he lived the rest of his life enjoying family time activities, going to the beach and playing mini golf, chicken foot ect. He enjoyed playing pinochle, watching Orioles games, and going to an occasional Shorebirds game. He enjoyed the community and fellowship, and was a member of the American Legion, ELK Lodge and St Peter’s Lutheran Church. Most of all he enjoyed his grandchildren. There was many a day he traveled up to four hours to watch a lacrosse game, volleyball match or even a three minute wrestling match.
William is survived by his wife, Arline; daughter, Linda (John) Loss and son, Jeffery Kelso; grandchildren, Rachel (Michael) Molloy, John Loss, Kelsey Loss, Samara Loss; great granddaughter Josephine Molloy; brother, Charles (Marylou) Kelso; sisters, Betty (Ron) Apperson and; sister in law Larraine (Tim) Long. William was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at St Peter’s Lutheran Church 10301 coastal highway Ocean City MD on April 4th at 3 pm. Please send your favorite story of Will to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his memory to either St Peter’s Lutheran Church (stpetersoc.com), or Coastal Hospice (coastalhospice.org).
Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.
Posted in: Eastern Shore Cremation
Posted on: 2020-11-24
Link to original obituary: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/12114590/William-George-Kelso