David Kelone

To view David's Celebration of Life Service live on Monday, November 7, 2022, at 11 a.m., please use the following link, https://youtu.be/XTiAJDtQpQc 

DUNLAP — David Paul Kelone, 76, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022.

He was born on January 9, 1946, in Alexandria, La., to Paul Bascom and Oceana (Guillot) Kelone. David grew up on a cotton farm near Egg Bend, La. He married Debbie Strunk on August 4, 1973.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debbie Strunk Kelone of Dunlap, Ill.; daughter, Emily (Mark) Aiman of Metamora, Ill., grandson, Conner Aiman; sister, Ticker Gravois of Cleburne, Texas; mother-in-law, Allie Lou Strunk; brother-in-law, Greg (Peggy) Strunk of Phoenix, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

David attended Fifth Ward High School and graduated from Marksville High School in 1963. He attended Louisiana State University, graduating in 1968, with a degree in agricultural and mechanical engineering. David was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He was ROTC trained, becoming commissioned in 1968 as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. David was on active duty for two years, serving in Korea.

David learned to fly in 1963, and flew a variety of airplanes his whole life. He worked as a crop duster, general aviation instructor, charter and corporate pilot. He finished his flying career as a DC9 captain for Eastern Airlines.

David operated several business ventures including airport fixed base operations, truck driving school, insurance agencies and commercial real estate.

David was an avid duck and deer hunter. He loved sharing hunting with his son-in-law, Mark and his grandson, Conner. He was an animal lover, a great cook, and had a passion for restoring military mule vehicles.

David was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria. His quiet sustaining Christian faith carried him from this life into heaven. He was a man of few words and many loving actions. David died peacefully in his sleep while returning from a trip to Florida providing disaster relief to hurricane victims.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Bob Jordan and Don Stuber officiating. Military honors by United States Army will follow the service at the church. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Morton Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 8 Days of Hope, eightdaysofhope.com, or God’s Pit Crew @ https://godspitcrew.org/donate/.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To view David’s video tribute or leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.