Lawrence Anthony Kelty, 69, passed away, Saturday, July 27, 2024.  Born in Louisville, Kentucky to parents John O. and Elizabeth "Betty" Kelty, he had been a Hampton resident for many years after retiring from the military.  He served in the National Guard for three years in Kentucky, where he earned an associates degree in meteorology at Western Kentucky University. He served an additional 2 years in the Arkansas National Guard in Little Rock, where he worked for the National Weather Service and he met the love of his life and married. He then joined the active duty Air Force and moved the family to Hampton, VA.  He retired as a Master Sergeant in San Angelo, Texas after 20 years of service.

Larry had a love for all things related to aircraft and was a licensed pilot.  He had a vast knowledge of history, especially local history in Virginia, Nebraska and Texas, where he was stationed during his military career.   He was involved in his local community through the Cub Scouts, serving as a long time Cub Scout master for Pack 128 in Hampton. His friends and neighbors would often find Larry willing to lend tools and his mechanical ability to any project big or small. He loved to laugh and joke and would often quote many of his favorite films or sing a line from a favorite show tune or musical. He taught himself to play the piano after retirement, which he was always happy to share.

Preceded in death by his parents, his dear friend and mother of his children, Patricia Ann Barnes; granddaughter, Julia Catherine; and sister-in-law, Connie Kelty; he leaves to cherish his memory, son, William Lawrence Kelty (Julie); daughter, Elizabeth Marie Bell (James); brothers, John Robert "Bob"  Kelty (Karen), Daniel Joseph "Danny" Kelty (Donna), and James Albert "Jimmy" Kelty(Cheryl); sisters, Catherine Ann "Cathy" Coco(Ed) and Judith Marie "Judy" Kelty(Mark); grandchildren, Emily Nicole Montoya, Virginia Paige Montoya, Aurelia Grace Bell and John Ransom Everett Bell as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hampton.  Interment with full military honors will be at 1:30 PM on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 Buckroe Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23664. (or click here to donate) .