Lt.Col. Ralph Christy “Chris” Kellum, 72, of Kokomo, and a former residentof Fort Wayne, Ind., and Hatteras, N.C., died at 7:42 p.m. Thursday,Sept. 26, 2013, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born in Kokomo, Sept.28, 1940, the son of Ralph Claude and Doris (Christy) Kellum. Hemarried Mitzi Oden on Nov. 24, 1965, and she preceded him in death onMay 28, 2009. He married Joan Bowman April 30, 2011, at FirstCongregational Christian Church, and she survives.
Chris was a1958 graduate of Kokomo High School. He earned his Eagle Scout Awardduring his high school years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’sdegree in electrical engineering from Perdue University, graduating in1976. He was an Air Force veteran, having served 23 years in theservice, retiring as a lieutenant-colonel. He loved flying and was afighter pilot who flew the F-100. During the Vietnam War, he was amember of the elite flying squad known as the Mistys. Following hismilitary career, he resided in Fort Wayne and worked at ITT for 14years, until July 1997 when he moved to Hatteras, N.C.
Hismemberships included the Hatteras United Methodist Church, the EarlyRisers Rotary Club of Kokomo, The Thursday Night Bridge Club, and TheKokomo Country Club where he was serving as secretary at the time ofhis death. He was also a member of the Purdue Alumni Chapter of PhiKappa Psi. Wherever Chris lived, he made an effort to be activelyinvolved in the community. He was an avid reader, a man of faith, and astudent of the Bible. He was best known as, “A lover, a fighter, aballroom dancer, and a Sunday night drinker, retired.”
Surviving,in addition to his wife, Joanie of Kokomo, are two daughters, PaulaHughes (Christopher) and Christy Kellum; one grandson, Beale KellumHughes, all of Fort Wayne; one brother, Stewart Kellum (Verna) ofKernersville, N.C.; one sister, Kay Puckett of Longsville, Ohio. He waspreceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Frank Puckett.
ACelebration of Life Service is 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at FirstCongregational Christian Church, 505 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo, Ind.Pastor Jon Tice officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday,Oct 3, 2013 at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory,Lincoln Road Chapel, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, Ind. Military honorswill follow the service, provided by the U.S. Air Force and the VFWMilitary Rites Team. Private burial will take place at a later time. Inlieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First CongregationalChristian Church and/or the Hatteras United Methodist Church, 57665N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras, N.C. 27943, and/or the Wounded WarriorProject. Online condolences may be submitted at www.shirleyandstout.com.
