Obituary for Gordon Hubert Kelly

Gordon Hubert Kelly of Portland passed away on September 20th, 2023 at the age of 88. Gordon, or “Gordy” as he was known by his classmates, attended Portland High School and was the 1953 senior class president and valedictorian. He graduated from the University of Michigan with his bachelor’s in aeronautical engineering. In California and New Mexico, Gordon worked for Douglas Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas in the aerospace division and helped to develop missile defense systems which included work with the Nike Zeus rocket. After returning to Portland, Gordon worked with his uncle in truck and farm equipment repair as well as grain bin assembly. He then started his own television and electronics repair business at home. He was a member of the Portland United Methodist Church.

Gordon is survived by his son Jim (Denise) Berkebile of Portland, two grandchildren, Rachel Berkebile and Nathaniel Berkebile, brother Marvin Kelly of Cocoa Florida, nephews Steve (Colleen) Kelly, John (Becky) Kelly, great niece Meghan Kelly, great nephew Mitchell Kelly, and numerous cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents Merle and Harriet Kelly, sister-in-law Dorothy Kelly and his niece Donna.

Gordon loved to water-ski with his friends in California, bowl at The Wagon Wheel, and spend time at his cottage on Higgins Lake.

The funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Lenora Whitecotton, Portland United Methodist Church at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. The family will receive friends 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Interment will be at Portland Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.