John Thomas “J.T.” Kelso age 75 of Newton passed away at his home Friday, September 8, 2017. J.T. was born March 1, 1942 in Newton the son of Thomas and Camilla (Reid) Kelso.
J.T. graduated from Newton High in 1960. He would say he was blessed to have a career that he loved. His calling as a Conductor spanned 46 years on multiple railroads.
J.T. was a loving father, grandfather, and devout Christian.
He is survived by his wife; Sandra of Newton, sons; Michael, Thomas, John Ed (Deanna), Scot (Deb), daughters; Margaret Peterson (James), Lynn Marshall (Curt), Kelly Davert (Mike), brother; Jim (Sheryl), and 8 grandchildren.
J.T. was preceded in death by his parents; Thomas and Camilla, brother; Jack, and granddaughter; Mattison Hadley.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be prayed on Monday, September 11, at 7:00p.m, St Mary Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, with The Reverend Nicholas Voelker Celebrant, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery.
Family suggests memorials to St Mary Catholic School of Newton, KS, or Harry Hynes Hospice in c/o Petersen Funeral Home.
www.petersenfuneralhome.com
I am so sorry for your loss,you and your family are in my prayers.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of JT Kelso. JT was a truly unique individual and cousin. JT always reminded me of the saying, “I did it my way”. His unique smile, personality and commitment will be sorely missed by all who loved him. I wish I could be there in person to celebrate his life. I will be there in spirit.
Elaine (Reid) den Hoed & Leo den Hoed
R.I.P, Mr Kelso. We never met but I feel I know you through your son Scot. Alice and I extend our deepest Sympathies to the whole family
JT will be missed by all. Great man!!
We are sorry for your loss and the loss of a friend and former coworker. J. T. was always good to work with and I’m glad I got that experience for part of my career. We are praying for the peace only God can give in your hearts. god bless you all.
I worked with JT many times while working as an Engineer out of Pratt on the SP, he was a good conductor and a good man. Prayers for his family, may they find some peace knowing he will be missed by many whose lives he touched.
Sorry for your loss, JT was a great person. Glad I got to work with him. He will be greatly missed. Will be praying for the family to have peace in this time.
Sandra so sorry to hear about J T passing he was a good man I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers
JT was my cousin and I just talked to him a week ago. He will missed – go cuz . Funny and witty. I can’t be there but will be in Newton in the spring to visit family . Rest In Peace J.T. Love Bill Reid
Sad to hear of JT’s passing. He was a wonderful friend through out the years. May peace be with the family during this time.
Rick and JoeAnn Moore
So sorry for your loss.It is also a loss for all who knew J.T. Glad to have been a co worker. Always knew you were in good hands when J.T. was your conductor.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Kelso.
Fly high with the angles.
Say hello to my aunt Judy for me. So cool you two were classmates.
My prayers & love go to your loving & amazing family.
Me Kelso was an amazing man so kind and compassionate! So very sorry for your loss, you are all in our prayers!!
J.T. will be missed dearly! Praying for all my family. ?
So sorry you lost your sweet Dad. Take comfort in knowing the Lord is celebrating his arrival. Bless you all
Mr. Kelso… I will always remember you as a very respected and kind person. I will always remember you cheering Thomas and I at all of our cross country & track meets.. Thank you so much for all those cheers and amazing moments. I wish I could be there in person but due school I can’t make it.. But I will be there in spirit. Rest In Peace Mr. Kelso ❤️
Our thoughts and prayers are you your wonderful family. Sending prayers and hugs to you all. God Bless, The Nials Family
We send our sympathy & prayers to Sharon & family.
Wealth is not measured by money or material things, wealth is measured by the friends you have……JT was a very very wealthy man…..He was well respected because he respected everyone else. RIP my friend.
Sandra, Thomas and Michael;
Our hearts to out to you. Prayers for you. May God bless you all during this time. My mother loved your family so much.
Rip JT our prayers will be you and your family .
Our prayers go out to a wonderful family , may God bless each of you in your loss of a great man . J T was a good friend and will missed by all .
I always appreciated his sense of humor and positive attitude .
God bless you J T
My condolences to all, your dad has always been there for me. Growing up half the time in your house with you, y’all were the family I didn’t have. I love to you all.
KELSO FAMILY, SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF J.T. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND A GREAT CO-WORKER. I HAD MANY GREAT TIMES WORKING TOGETHER ON THE RAILROAD. THOUGHTS AND PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF YOUR LOSS AND I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED. “HIGHBALL RIP”
So sorry for your loss Dad’s are hard to lose. Hugs and prayers to all. Big hugs.
Barbara and Jerry Hollis
Sandra and family, Our deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. AMEN!!! Lots of hugs and love going out to you!
Sandra, Carla and I are saddened to learn of your loss of JT..I had a nice visit with him by phone, not too long ago..It was fun to catch up since we went separate ways..He was always so upbeat, told the best stories, and I enjoyed every minute I got to be around him in Dalhart..This world will be a less colorfful place without him !!–JD/Carla Howard
Mrs. Kelso and family, I am so sorry to hear of JT’s passing. I have many fond childhood memories of JT and your family. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you.
Our prayers are with you during this sad time. JT always had such a great smile and always said hello.
I worked with this man many times. As a train dispatcher I can say he was one of the best at his job.
He was always one of my favorites. He had that onery smile and kindness just like my dad had. It was an awesome mix, he enjoyed life! Glad he could be reunited with his heavenly family.
Prayers to the family. JT always made me laugh.
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family! Prayers and hugs!
Had a lot of fun times on the railroad with JT. Saddened to hear of his death
JT was an inspiration to every one he came in contact with. Prayers for the family. Much love to you and yours.?❤️
J.T. was such an inspiration to me as well as countless other people in his career as well as his personal life. May he lighten the lives up in Heaven as he did here on Earth. God bless the friends and family he left behind!!!
Maggie and family so sorry for your loss. The short time I got to know him I could tell he was a special man. Sorry I can’t be there in person but will be there in spirit and thinking and praying for you all.
So sorry to hear of J.T.’s passing! He was such a big help to St. Anthony’s when I worked there. He was always there if we needed him for something. After you moved I never got to visit with all of you! Sure miss our little talks. May he rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers for all of the family! May God Bless!
J T was a good friend for me too. He surprised me once in a while by taking time to talk even though he was busy. Last conversation was by phone, good man, good visit and good times.
Our deepest sympathy. You all are in our prayers. Love you all.
Sincerely,
Daryl & Tillie Snelgrooes
So sorry for your loss. I knew Mr. kelso when he used to come to vaughn. He was by far the most respectful man I’ve ever known. God bless him and all of you
A great man. I loved standing with him watching the kids play baseball in Dalhart.
So sorry to hear about JTs passing Sandra, Thomas and Michael. He was always helping the school, church and sisters with anything they ever needed. He had an amazing heart. Huge hugs and extra prayers ????
Thinking of all of the family and saying a prayer for you tonight. May your memories help get you through this rough time.
I was blessed to know JT. He worked with my Dad, Charles Dayland Bollinger while in Dalhart, Tx. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss. Heaven has another angel.
Scott and family, deepest condolences from the Flores family in Hutchinson
JT was a great co-worker & an even better friend; his influence has been felt by many railroaders & so many that were honored to have crossed his path; I was blessed to know him as both a co-worker & friend; thoughts & prayers for Sandra & the boys & the entire Kelso Family.
May God grant you peace and comfort. Our sympathy to Michael and his family. We are praying for you. Love, the Gottschalk family (BC) Gage
So sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers.
Michael, Thomas, Sandra & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss! JT was a great man and will be sorely missed by all who knew & loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of such a fine Christian husband and father!! May God wrap his loving arms around you all and give you the comfort only He can give as you navigate the difficult days ahead. We love you!!!
Sandra & Family. So sorry for your loss. May you Rest In Peace JT. Can’t thank u enough for all u did for St. Anthony’s Parish & School. I always enjoyed your visits in the office at St. Anthony’s. You were a great friend. I know Sandra & the boys will miss you so much.
So sorry to hear about J T . He was always up beat and happy! He will be missed! Our prayers for all of you!
On behalf of everyone at Mingle and Studio M, our sincere condolences to the family of T.J. Kelso. We wish you peace and comfort in this most difficult time.
God bless. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jtkelso gentle nature gave us respect compassion dignity and caring in a very loving manner.jt kelso created a more loving caring and compassionate world. Every Christmas the Reid’s would visit jtkelso grandma and families in newton kansas. Jt always showed peace,caring love and confidence that all is well.thank you jt for bringing people together John t kelso I love you ❤️✌️️Bonds of affection and love John reid ❤️?✌️️??Love is the glue ❤️❤️❤️✌️️???
We are so thankful that we were blessed to have J.T. as a neighbor down the street. He was always very encouraging and fun to talk with. My favorite memory of J.T. is when he found our rabbit and brought her back to us, late one evening. May the love of friends and family continue to lift you up and carry you through. Blessings to you all, Tim and Adele Stockman
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of such a wonderful and faithful man. May God bless the whole family during this time. My mother loved your family so much. Continued prayers.
Sandra, Michael and Family,
My prayers are for you and want you to know that you are thought of during this difficult time. My dad always spoke so highly of JT. The time I was able to visit with JT, you truly knew he was a man of his faith. I wish you peace to bring you comfort, courage to the face days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. JT was a great man and neighbor to my dad. He made the Newton community a better place by his kindness to others and his love for the Lord.
Rest in Peace, JT,
Blessings and praying for all of you,
Nancy Duling
Rest in Peace, JT, we had some great times in high school. The condolences reflected a great and caring man. My sympathy to the family for your loss, God Bless !
Over 4 years since you’ve left us Dad and I couldn’t miss you more!!!
Love,
Thomas