Christopher James Kelleher

Christopher James Kelleher of Cuba, Missouri was born on Friday, January 17, 1930 at St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Homer T. and Helen (nee: Broski) Kelleher and left from this life on Wednesday, January 24th at Waynesville, Missouri at the age of 77 years and seven days. Chris served in the United States Marine Corps twice. He enlisted on January 23, 1947 at St. Louis, Missouri and was discharged January 22, 1950 as a Corporal at Marine Barracks, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He then re-enlisted January 23, 1950 in North Carolina and was discharged January 22, 1953 as a Sergeant in Chicago, Illinois. Chris received the "Commendation Ribbon with Combat "V" on November 30, 1951 for "excellent service in the line of his profession while serving with a Marine infantry battalion during operations against the enemy." After serving in the Marine Corps Chris returned to St. Louis and started working for the local union as a carpenter. He worked there from 1953 until he joined the iron workers union Local 396 in St. Louis. Chris helped build the Arch, most of bridges in and around the St. Louis area, the telephone company building and many more places. Chris was the youngest "Certified" welder with the Local 396 for many years. He retired in 1994 after 36 plus years of dedicated service. Chris was united in marriage in 1978 to Betsy Ann Argent. They moved to Cuba after Chris retired. Chris was a member of the Cuba VFW Post 7147. For the past six years Chris and Betsy would bake over a thousand cookies and individually wrap each of them and take them to the veterans at the St. James Veteran's Home for their family Christmas program. Chris received the "Missouri Korean War Medallion" in 2004 signed by Gov. Bob Holden. Chris was a loving son, husband, father, father in law, step father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Chris is preceded in death by his parents; Homer and Helen Kelleher and other relatives and friends. Those who are left to mourn his passing, but to truly celebrate a life lived; is his loving wife Betsy Ann Kelleher of the home, seven children; Vickie Kelleher, Christopher J. Kelleher, Jr., Michelle and husband Jim Gruele, Cindy Copeland, William and wife Lisa Kelleher and Brian and wife Paige Kelleher all of the state of California and Craig Kelleher of the state of Illinois, two step children; Charles H. and wife Ann Smith and Susan Kim Smith both of St. Louis, Missouri, seventeen grandchildren and four great grandchildren, one sister Theresa and husband Bob Shram of the state of Missouri, one sister in law Mary and husband John Vurlison of Owensville, Missouri, and many other relatives and friends. Graveside services 2 PM Saturday, January 27th at Meramec Hills Cemetery with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VFW Post 7147 in Chris' memory. Britton Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the Kelleher family.