Mount Vernon— Allan "John" Kelly, age 87, passed away suddenly January 28, 2022, in Mount Vernon, WA. John was born August 24, 1934 in Olympia, WA to Ambrus Jackson "AJ" Kelly and Opal (Gunstone) Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Jim and Jerry Kelly. He is survived by his sister Kathleen Hodnet, wife Louise (Schodde) Kelly and his daughters Catherine Kelly, Cynthia and John Branson of Clarksville, GA and Amy and Patrick O'Flaherty of Castlerock, CO. John and Louise have 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a large extended family that loved him dearly. John's love of flying started at an early age. At every opportunity he visited his local airport. He learned to fly at the age of 14 and earned a pilot's license at the age of 16. He met his wife Louise in Ellensburg, WA at Central Washington University while they were both attending college. They married in 1955. John had a lifelong love of aviation. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, ROTC and was commissioned in the USAF June of 1956. John entered the USAF in April of 1957 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He went on to Air Force Flight Training to become a Fighter Pilot and flew several fighter jets throughout his military career. His favorite fighter jet was the F-106. He called it a Porsche in the sky. While he was in service to his country, Lt. Col. Kelly served with distinction in the Vietnam war 1969-1970. He had a 23-year career in the Air Force as a Fighter Pilot retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He and his family traveled to many places while he was in the Air Force. He had assignments stateside and as far away as Germany and Iran. After retiring, he went on to fly many types of Aircraft in the private sector. John was always a pilot. He worked for Learjet, Eastern Airlines and other Aviation Corporations. John and Louise settled in the Skagit Valley in 1991. They came to this beautiful valley to run and operate a bed and breakfast which they did for 10 years. Skagit Valley has been their home now for thirty years. He and his wife Louise were married 66 years. John kept his pilot's license active, and he continues to fly as he now soars with the angels. He had an impact on everyone he came into contact with. We will never forget his contagious smile and his love of telling stories. He had deep love and commitment for his wife, family, friends, the Unity Church he attended, and for his community. The sun set on John's life on the 28th of January. The sun rose for him, to Spirit, to God, to what is next in his unfolding journey. God speed to our loved one John Kelly, Mach 1 and beyond. Lt. Colonel Allan John Kelly was dearly loved by his family and friends and will live on in our memories forever. A memorial service will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA. on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 1:00pm with a reception to follow.  If you are unable to attend the services please reach out to the family and they will be able to provide a link to the service which will be privately broadcast online.

Please Visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.