By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
  • Visitation

    Thursday, November 7, 2019
    4 to 7 p.m.
    House of Prayer
    Albion, IL

  • Service

    Friday, November 8, 2019
    10 a.m.
    House of Prayer
    Albion, IL
    Burial to follow in Little Prairie Cemetery

  • Full Obituary

    Anthony “Todd” Kelsey, 54, of Albion, IL passed from this life to the next following a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family and friends, on November 3, 2019 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL.

    Todd was born January 18, 1965 in Mt. Carmel, IL, the son of Linda (Gray) and Jack Kelsey.

    He graduated from SIU-Carbondale and worked at Toyota for 17 years. Todd was a local grain and cattle farmer who loved his cows. He was a member of the House of Prayer. He was a loving son, brother, and dad. He was also a very loving “Poppy.” Todd had a generous heart and helped many people behind the scenes. He could truly be described as “the hands and feet of Jesus.” Todd was a courageous fighter who battled cancer for 14 years, a fact he kept hidden from most. He enjoyed taking his Grands to his favorite fishing spot, which will remain a secret!

    Todd is survived by his son, Drake (Haley) Kelsey of Albion; his mother, Linda Kelsey of Albion; two sisters: Pam (Bob) Maher of Boonville, IN and Kindra (Kevin) Schnicker of Ellery, IL; one brother, Doug (Lynn) Kelsey of Normal, IL; three grandchildren: Kaysen, Kyntlee, and Kash; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friend Jenny Borgra of Evansville, IN and special friend Barry Hodges of Ellery.

    He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; and his grandparents: Raymond and Edna Kelsey and Chet and Mildred Gray.

    Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the House of Prayer in Albion. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 8 at 10 a.m. at the House of Prayer with burial to follow at Little Prairie Cemetery, west of Albion.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Todd Kelsey Grandchildren Education Fund.”

    Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

8 Condolences
 
  1. Dewey Harris / November 5, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Todd Kelsey was a Member of the of Class of 1983 at Edwards County Senior High School
    he will be miss by his Classmates along with his family as will.

  2. Larry Goldman / November 5, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    Many memories of Todd from our younger days in grade school where we were in the same class for much of the time, remember Todd being a very good basketball player and was always a top student as well. In our older years i had sold Todd a few signs he enjoyed collecting and other item as well. Enjoyed serving the Lord with Todd and he was always a generous man that loved the Lord and his family. I will miss him but glad there is no more suffering for him.

  3. Nancy Seals / November 5, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    Todd will be missed so much! I will never forget seeing his smiling face at church,No matter how he was feeling he always had a smile on his face. I know he is wrapped in Jesus’s arms. Rest in Peace Todd ♥

  4. Dick & Brenda Hargrave / November 5, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    So sorry to hear about Todd’s passing. He was a great kid. Also one of my toughest players in high school. Our deepest sympathies to his whole family. He certainly was a great model to his kids and others.

  5. Tami (Michels) Hixon / November 5, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    I remember Todd fondly from our time as classmates at Albion Grade School. My prayers are with his family and friends.

  6. Gary Hall / November 6, 2019 at 9:36 am

    So sorry for your loss. Praying for peace & comfort.

  7. Van Brentlinger / November 6, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Sorry to hear of the loss of your father

  8. Chuck Conner / November 9, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    I was Todd’s roommate in college at Southern Illinois. He was a year older than me in age, but what struck me from the first few days was how much farther along the path he was in the finer arts of being human than I: forgiveness, wisdom, patience, comfort….

    At just past 20 years old, Todd was not only one of my best friends and roommate, but he was a father figure I could tap for advice without paying for the long distance to “phone home”. That emotional maturity and centeredness is striking in one so young.

    I have photographs of Todd and my other AGR fraternity brothers and sisters in my hall that I pass by daily on my way to work. I usually glance at Todd and the others and remember the fantastic times that we had and that helps me make today and tomorrow better in my own life – True friendship is immortal.

    Todd was an exceptionally special person who helped others as a habit. He could kick your ass in basketball and still make you feel good about it.

    He’s not gone, he’s just made himself easier for us all to talk to.

Leave a Condolence or Memory: