Scott Kelso

PEKIN– Scott David Kelso, 48, of Pekin, formerly of Morton and Chicago, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 8, 1971, in Peoria, Ill., to Melville and Dorothy (Heineken) Kelso.

He is survived by one brother, Steve (Christine) Kelso of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and one sister, Leann (Bill) Dexter of Tremont, Ill. Scott is also survived by his former wife and dear friend, Carrie (Murphy) Kelso of Detroit, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

A sweet, peaceful and vibrant soul who loved his family, friends and pets, Scott made new friends out of strangers at first meeting.

He was a published poet, a lover of literature, and a supporter of arts and music. Especially music. His knowledge of American popular music spanned from Woody Guthrie to jazz, to the Grateful Dead and to Bob Dylan and beyond. But Scott really loved Bob Dylan.

His family and friends will miss his wit, wisdom and wry sense of humor, not to mention his cooking. Seriously, this guy could cook.

More than anything, Scott loved and mastered the art of friendship and conversation. He truly believed that meaningful conversation could make the world a more just and peaceful place for all. It was his dream.

It would be a fitting tribute for all of us to have more conversations about love, peace and justice in his honor.

Maybe together, we can move the planet a little closer to the one that Scott Kelso deserved to live in.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2020, at the funeral home. Social distancing guidelines will be observed during the visitation and funeral service and masks are required. Burial will be at Roberts Cemetery in Morton.

In honor of Scott’s love of music and animals, memorials may be made to the Morton High School Band Boosters program that provides scholarships to deserving musicians. Checks can be made out to Morton Band Boosters and mailed to Morton High School at 350 N. Illinois Street, Morton Il. 61550 or to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society at 100 TAPS Ln, Pekin, IL 61554.

Please note “In Memoriam of Scott Kelso” on the memo section of checks.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com