Allen Reid Kelso
Did you know Allen? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Allen Reid Kelso, age 71, of Phoenix, long-time resident of San Antonio, Texas, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Syracuse VA Medical Center. "Al"/ "Reid"/ "Bam"/ "Bammer" was born in Auburn, NY on October 4, 1949, the son of James Alsup Kelso and Margaret Johnston. Reid grew up in Hannibal, New York, and was a proud US Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, serving 1969-1971 as an 0311 Rifleman, earning two purple hearts, and an RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, among other medals. A career telephone, cable, and high-voltage power lineman, he strung up cable across the country including the South Pole. He worked many other jobs over the years, including pipeline, construction, electrical, appliance and farming. Quick-witted with twinkling eyes, he loved to tell jokes and stories, spend time with his family outdoors (hiking, boating, hunting, and especially fishing), read, cook, share "snack-o's," and go on road-trips on a sunny day. A great friend, he brought life and fun wherever he went, enjoying games of any sort and a love for music. In later days, he enjoyed sitting outside with his adopted "pets" and his plants in the bright sunny Texas heat talking with is neighbors.
Reid is survived by his 2 children: Molly K. Lamson (James) of Phoenix, and Todd A. Kelso of Mattydale; 4 grandchildren: James P. (Abby) Lamson, Thomas R. Lamson, William H. Lamson, Linda J. Kelso; his ex-wife, Carol (Reakes) Huntley of Mattydale; 3 siblings: Joan E. "Beth" (Fred) McLean of San Jose, CA, Kandy (Tom) Kappler of Harpursville, NY, and Jim (Priscilla) Kelso of Mexico, NY; Partner, Robbie Lee Gentry of San Antonio, and her 4 children: Deborah (Alvin) Robinson, George Gentry, and Darrel (Tonya) Gentry; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as "PawPaw," he was especially fond of his "buddies": "grand-daughter" Mattie Thomas and his "Great-Grandchildren": Antavion, Zominick, & Zianique, all of San Antonio, Texas; as well as many other extended relatives and friends from both families across the United States.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judith L. "Judy" Jones; and his "son's" (of Robbie): George, Darrel Sr. and Dannye.
"To be continued..."
No services will be held at this time.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.newcomersyracuse.com