Terry L. Kelm's Obituary
Terry 'Hank' Kelm by Sam Kelm
Terry 'Hank' Kelm loving husband of Betty 'Sam' Hardy ' Kelm moved on to another 'game' on the evening of Saturday, July 10, 2010.
Graveside services for family and friends wishing to say a last 'good-bye' to Terry and to honor his life will be held 11:30 am Tuesday, August 10, 2010 in Graceland Cemetery with Pastor Ron Howerton officiating. Services will conclude with the 'Flight Home' ceremony. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting his family with these arrangements. To further celebrate Terry's life, his family invites their family and friends to join them at Sliderz Bar and Grille, 5995 East Rt. 36., Decatur, IL for a benefit Poker Tournament at 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 10, 2010. Online memories and condolences may be shared with Hank's family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
In his wake, he leaves a large family legacy: wife Sam, brother, Bobby (wife Linda), Daughters, Jennifer Schwitek (Springfield, IL), Cassandra Stark (husband Rob) of Ft. Mill, S.C., Sons, Jonathan Kelm (wife Anna) and Andy Kelm (wife Charity) both of San Antonio, TX; eleven grandchildren, Robert (wife Kelly) Stark, Kaitlyn Schwitek, Christopher Stark, Jesse Stark, Lisa Kelm, Ariel Kelm, Nathaniel Kelm, Aaron Kelm, David Kelm, Shane Stark, and Faith Kelm; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Katherine Stark, and Noah Daniel Farrand. He also leaves 3 nephews, 2 nieces, one great niece, and an abundance of cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dale Kelm, one niece, and several aunts and uncles.
A note from Sam Kelm.
Terry and I were married for 21 years. For those of you who knew Hank, the number 21 will probably have you thinking things like 'where has the time gone,' and 'I can't believe... .' For me, I can tell you this ' twenty-one years of being married to Hank was, as I shared with him in his last moments, 'one hell of a ride' including blood, sweat, and tears and the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
On a more personal note, Hank and I had a 21 year marriage of oh so many ups and downs, but we stuck it out and, in the end, still held hands, and without fail, kissed each other goodnight with a 'see you in the morning — I love you, honey.' Now, Mr. Kelm, each night as I fall asleep, I will still hold your hand, pat your cheek, and pray that you have finally found peace.
Beneath his innumerable faults and idiosyncrasies, there was a heart of gold and a sweetness that managed to charm everyone he met in his short 58 years. I love you, Terry. -Sam.
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