Silas ‘Philmore’ Kelley

Born Oct. 19. 1928, in Barbour County, the son of Briscoe and Mildred Kelley.

On June 17, 1950, he married Betty Carr, who proceeded him in death.

He had one daughter, Gloria Ann White, and husband, Roy, of Belington; one grandson, Phil Butcher, and wife, Amy, of Beverly; and one great-grandson, Morgan Butcher.

He was proceeded in death by one brother, Dale Kelley of Elkins; one step-sister, Pauline Lenney; and five step-brothers, Durwood Kelley, Eugene Kelley, Willard Kelley, Woodrow Kelley and Walter Kelley.

He retired from Western Maryland Railroad in 1987 after 40 years of employment. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for seven years, where he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was a member of the Odd Fellows for 77 years. He was their oldest member.

He traveled to all continental United States and Canada with his family in a camper. He was a self-taught musician that played mandolin, guitar, banjo and fiddle. He started his own band “The Korn Kobbers” that performed at the Mountain State Forest Festival square dances for 15 years. He played many venues in several states over his lifetime. He played at Pickin in the Park, D&E college, local television stations and numerous nursing homes.

His love for music brought a smile to a lot of faces over the years. He spent two years building a mandolin from scratch which he was very proud of. His music kept him active and brought joy to his life.

He was cremated per the families’ request.

Donations can me made to the Augusta Heritage Center in honor of Philmore.