|
|
Return to Station Listings
|
Jay Robert Kelso
Born: 5/17/1954
Died: 6/7/2026
Age: 72
Community: Fenton, MI
|
It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce that Jay Kelso Sr., age 72, of Fenton, Michigan, passed unexpectedly on June 7th, 2026. He was born on May 17th, 1954, in Flint, Michigan to Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Fridolena (Voight) Kelso. Jay married his best friend, Sonia K. (Caverly) Kelso, on June 28th, 1975. Jay spent his life surrounded by the people and vehicles he loved most.
For many years, Jay was a traveling merchandising specialist who was often not home. Yet, through all of this travel, he remained a strong father and husband to his family. Jay was often gone, he still managed to build and nourish his passion for anything muscle car related. Throughout his 72 years of life, he owned a large variety of street rods, muscle cars, and pick up trucks, favoring his 1932 Ford 5 window coupe (we think!). This love for vehicles later impacted those around him. From his daughter building her own 1966 GTO, his son’s 1970 Fastback Mustang, to traveling to the St. Ignace Car Show for 50 years straight with his wife, children, and grandchildren, to the Monday night Fire Place car group, Jay touched the hearts and motors of many. He found joy, and often immense anger, in fixing and building cars. Not a day went by without a new car part showing up on the front porch and an annoyed wife watching it enter the garage.
Jay also found joy in other energetic pursuits, like his pets over the years. Most recently, he found his soul dog Max, a 12 year old rottweiler, and owned his latest pups Shelby and Abby, proving he was one of the best dog owners and trainers one would find. He also thoroughly enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife and family. He loved to schedule surprise trips or spend quick weekends away, enjoying sights like St. Ignace, Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinaw Island, and Clyde’s Drive-In.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife of almost 51 years, Sonia K. (Caverly) Kelso; his children Stacy and Jay Kelso Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Brayley West, Jessen West, and Peyton Kelso; and his siblings Kenneth (Wendy) Kelso and Marlene Bowman; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and most importantly, the car guys.
Jay is preceded in death by every ford motor he tried to build, 1000 pounds of mayonnaise, and his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Fridolena (Voight) Kelso.
His legacy lives on not only in the family, but in the countless athletes Jay impacted. Through many years of varsity football, basketball, and track for the Lake Fenton Blue Devils, Jay earned a scholarship to run at Eastern Michigan University. He also found great passion in men’s league adult soccer. From all of his knowledge gained in this lived experience, Jay took this to coach current students in long jump, sprinting, and soccer. He instilled a passion for athletics in his own children, and later took the time to work individually with many athletes in events he once did, and was always willing to give advice to any sport or event he saw struggling as the supportive man he was. His family finds comfort in knowing the number of lives Jay touched by being his helpful, stubborn, and goofy self.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place after his service on June 12th, 2026. Jay’s life will be celebrated at the Detroit Cremation Society in Grand Blanc Michigan. The visitation will occur from 2:00 – 4:00, followed by a service from 4:00 to 5:00. After these events, a gathering will take place at daughter Stacy Kelso’s residence, involving food, drink, and the celebration of the legacy Jay left for those who knew him, and even many who did not.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Jay’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made out to either the Lake Fenton High School Athletic Boosters or the Fenton High School Soccer Booster Club. One of Jay’s, or Bubba as they called him, greatest enjoyments in life was supporting his children and grandchildren in both their athletic and academic careers. He’d often split time between events that took place on the same day, and ALWAYS did his best to support in any way he could. We would like to carry on Jay’s legacy and support the future generations of Lake Fenton and Fenton schools.
Thank you all for your time, love, and consideration of Jay’s time here with us. |
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
6/12/2026 |
| Time: |
|
2:00 PM |
| In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place after his service on June 12th, 2026. Jay’s life will be celebrated at the Detroit Cremation Society in Grand Blanc Michigan. The visitation will occur from 2:00 – 4:00, followed by a service from 4:00 to 5:00. After these events, a gathering will take place at daughter Stacy Kelso’s residence, involving food, drink, and the celebration of the legacy Jay left for those who knew him, and even many who did not. |
|
|
| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
|
6/12/2026 |
| Time: |
|
4:00 PM |
| |
| Location: |
|
Detroit Cremation Society
8253 South Saginaw St
Grand Blanc, MI 48439Get a Map to this location...
|
| Official: |
|
|
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|
|
