Joseph Cook Kelso, 89, of Brookville, passed away on September 7, 2017, surrounded by his loving family at Penn Highlands Brookville Hospital.

He was born on December 4, 1927, to the late Samuel W. and Bertha (Cook) Kelso in Baxter. In his formative years, he helped his parents run the family’s farm in Union Township.
On May 6, 1950, Joe married Etta Lois (Black) Kelso in Templeton, who survives after 67 years of beautiful companionship.

A graduate of the former Corsica-Union High School, he served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 and was stationed in Korea.

Joe dedicated 41 years of his life working for United Electric in DuBois, starting as a lineman and retiring as crew chief.

Following retirement, he traveled with his wife and children throughout the United States and had many stories he told of their experiences.

Joe easily made friends with everyone he met and had a great sense of humor that he displayed frequently.

He was an avid reader and loved history, especially on the Civil War and Native Americans. He also loved the outdoors and had a passion for following the latest news updates involving Pennsylvania fish and game.

Joe was a member of the Brookville Presbyterian Church, of which he spent time serving as a Church Elder, and was also a member of the Masons Hobah Lodge in Brookville.

He was very dedicated to his family, his employer, and his church. He was selfless in serving others, especially those in need. When he wasn’t needed at work, he was sure to be home with his family, and was always interested in their well being. When he passed, they lost more than a husband, father, and grandfather. He was their best friend.

In addition to his wife, Lois, Joe is survived by a son, Alfred Kelso of Brookville; a daughter, Lisa (John) Pozza of Brookville; a sister, Geneva Vallimont of Yuba City, CA; a granddaughter, Melissa Kelso of Brookville; a grandson, Corey (Lisa) Kelso of Brookville; and a great-grandson, Airen Kelso.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Ralph (Jeanette) Kelso; a sister, Millie Kelso; and a daughter-in-law, Toni (Gleixner) Kelso.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, September 17, 2017, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, ltd, 345 Main St., Brookville PA. A memorial service will be held immediately following visitation officiated by Pastor Nathan Royster of the Brookville Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at the Jefferson Cemetery, Clover Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Joseph Kelso to the Brookville Presbyterian Church, White and Main St., Brookville, PA 15825, or to the Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA, 15801. Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com