Altus Kelley, 77, of Big Spring, died on Monday, February 16, 2004, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 19, 2004 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Teeters, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.Altus was born on September 9, 1926, in Fisher County, Texas. He married Joanne Stone on May 21, 1948 in Fort Worth and she preceded him in death on May 16, 1984. He then married Lola Margaret Kilman on June 22, 1985 in Big Spring.Altus graduated from Hamlin High School in 1944. He served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He worked for Texas Electric Service Company for 39 years, retiring as transmission line supervisor in August 1987.He was a member of First Baptist Church; a member of Ernie Boyd's Sunday School Class and served as an usher. Altus was a member of the Sweetwater Masonic Lodge #571, AF & AM; a member of Big Spring Commandery No. 31 Knights Templar and the Scottish Rite in Lubbock. He was also a member of the Shriner's Motor Brigade and drove the antique fire truck. Survivors include his wife, Lola Kelley of Big Spring; one son, Altus "Bo" Kelley of Colorado City; one daughter, Charlotte May of Lufkin; four step children, Ginny Cooke of Big Spring, Victor Kilman of Lubbock, Preston Kilman of Penn Valley, California and Marshall Kilman of Big Spring; one sister, Filena Morgan of Big Spring; four grandchildren; nine step grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was also preceded in death by one son, Ansel Kelley on October 25, 2003; his parents; one brother and two sisters. The family suggests memorials to: Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, 610 Texas Ave., Galveston, Texas 77550. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
