Kelly A. Showers, 98, formerly of Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pa, passed away at home Thursday evening, Oct. 18, 2018. Kelly made his home with his great-nephew, Dean R. Showers Jr., and his family at 790 Back Road, Allenwood, Pa.
, for the past 8 years after his home in Pottstown, Pa. , was destroyed by fire. Born on Nov.
15, 1919, in Turbot Township, Northumberland County, he was the son of Kelly Elisha and Maude Gilberta (Bertha) Egli Showers. Kelly married Virginia Ellen (Ginny) Hart in 1944 and celebrated over 59 years of marriage until her death in 2003. Kelly attended school in Delaware and Lewis Townships and Turbotville High School until the 10th grade, when he left school to assist his family on their family farm.
Kelly and his brother George both enlisted in the United States Army the day after the Pearl Harbor attack. Kelly was trained at Quantico and served three tours of duty, earning a Purple Heart and 6 battle stars for his service in the Aleutian Islands, Germany, France and Austria. Kelly also assisted in the liberation of the Ebensee Austrian Concentration Camp in Austria.
At the end of WWII, Kelly returned home to work at the Floyd Stove Company, becoming Plant Superintendent. In 1956, Kelly purchased the foundry division of the company and opened his own foundry under the name of Spring-Ford Foundry. In 1970, he sold his company and began a new career as commercial casting broker, working with firms across the United States, finally retiring in 2005.
Kelly’s education did not stop at Turbotville High School. He went on to become a pilot, earning a degree from Pottstown Flight Training, Philadelphia Flight Training. Kelly enjoyed owning and flying his twin-engine plane low over his brother George’s farm in Allenwood, to see who he might be able to surprise.
He enjoyed playing golf at the Spring-Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa. In addition to flying his plane Kelly also enjoyed farming his “gentleman’s farm” next to his favorite country club. When not golfing, he could be found fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gilbertsville, Pa. Kelly also was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge No. 75 in Phoenixville, Pa.
, a member of the Reading Consistory and the Rajha Shrine. Kelly lived his life to its fullest! Although he and his wife did not have children, he loved his many nieces and nephews.
He was especially fond of his great-great-great nephew, Charlee Dean, and great-great-nephew, Henry Lee Showers, ages 2 and 3. Kelly was lovingly called ‘Uncle Abe” and many times was considered more of a dad, grandfather and great-grandfather than an uncle. Kelly is survived by his great nephew, Dean R. Showers Jr. and wife, Robbie, and their children, Rebeka, Jorganna, Kade, Kana and little Henry, with whom he made his home.
Many nieces and nephews also survive him. His parents, two brothers, George E. Showers Sr. and Kimber Showers; two sisters, Margaret E. Russell and Harriet E. Reynolds; and one half-brother, Jay Archie Kelts, preceded him. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct.
24, at the Montoursville Cemetery, the Rev. Robert Lauver will officiate. Full military honors will be conducted by the Jersey Shore Honor Guard.
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