Kelzie Ardeen Wisdom

Kelzie Ardeen Wisdom was born on April 9, 1931, in Boss, Missouri to Gurney and Lola May (Clements) Wisdom. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse near Boss, Missouri. Kelzie went to further his education obtaining his teaching degree. He entered the United States Marine Corps on April 2, 1952 and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge on March 19, 1954. Kelzie was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Dormalee “Dot” Adams on April 16, 1953, in Salem, Missouri and together shared sixty-one years of memories before her passing on October 24, 2014. Kelzie and Dot were blessed with two daughters: Tonnie and Barbie; he was a devoted husband to Dot and a loving father to his daughters. During his working career, Kelzie worked hard to provide for his family; he started as a teacher at Howes Mill, then moved to St. Louis and hauled cars. Kelzie laid asphalt for a time before moving back to Boss in the early ’60s. He then started his business career by purchasing the Grocery Store and Gas Station in Boss. Kelzie ended his working years at Amax Mines, where he retired as a General Foreman after many dedicated years. Kelzie has always been a farmer at heart and loved farming. He enjoyed getting out in the fields and spending time with his grandchildren at the pond fishing. In his early years, Kelzie liked to quail hunt and go boating on the lake. He was an avid card player and golfer. Kelzie was a longtime member of the Spring Creek Golf and Country Club, American Legion Post 99, and served as an Alderman for the city of Salem. Most important to Kelzie was his family; he cherished the memories made with them, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kelzie passed away on November 3, 2020, at Meadowbrook Residential Care in Pilot Knob, Missouri at the age of eighty-nine years. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his daughter: Tonnie Jackson and husband Charles of Pilot Knob, MO; brother: Vardell Ray Wisdom and wife Virginia of Boss, MO; grandchildren: Kellee Dement and husband Chris of Ironton, MO, Brad Jackson and wife Maggie of Pilot Knob, MO, Leslie Howard of Peoria, IL, and Natalie Sellers and husband Alex of St. Louis, MO; great-grandchildren: Karson Dement, Jackson Dement, Connor Jackson, Kate Jackson, Oliver Sellers, and Claire Sellers; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death, his wife: Dormalee “Dot” Wisdom; daughter: Barbara “Barbie” Jean Howard; and parents: Gurney and Lola Wisdom. Kelzie was one of a kind and a friend to everyone. He leaves behind a legacy that is filled with special stories of love and devotion that he had for his family and friends. Graveside Services for Kelzie Ardeen Wisdom were held Friday, November 06, 2020 in the Boss Cemetery with Pastors Heath Garrison and John Canterberry officiating. Song selections played were “Lead Me Home”, “Sweet By and By”, and “My Way”. Serving as Pallbearers were Brad Jackson, Alex Sellers, Jackson Dement, Vince Wisdom, Teel Wisdom, and Kaden Garrison. Honorary Pallbearers were Chris Dement and Connor Jackson. Military Honors was provided by the American Legion Post 99 and United States Marine Corps. The Family was served by Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Kelzie Ardeen Wisdom to the Boss Cemetery Fund and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

Kelzie Ardeen Wisdom

April 9, 1931 - November 3, 2020