Earl Clifford Kelso Jr. of Stowell, Texas, departed this life at the age of 81 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded in prayer by his loving family at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.
Services are Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 303 1st St., Winnie-Stowell, Texas. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until Funeral at 12 noon interment will be Monday, Jun 02, 2025, in Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
Earl Clifford Kelso Jr., fondly known as Papa, was born on Oct. 31, 1943, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Earl Clifford Kelso Sr. and Emma Lee Wiley Kelso. Emma would later create a union with Jonah Chambers, who stepped into the role of stepfather to Earl, although Jonah became as much a father to Earl as any biological one could be.
He attended George Washington Carver High School in Anahuac, Texas, where he was known for his academic intellect. It was often noted that Earl never took a book home—yet still mastered his studies.
After graduation, Earl enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam War. While in the Navy, he studied and earned certification in automotive mechanics, a skill he pursued throughout his career until retirement. In addition to his technical training, Earl played on a Navy football team. He often recalled and shared vivid football stories that left everyone knowing Papa was a “bad man.”
After leaving the Navy, Earl returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Ethel Gene Thomas. They shared 59 years of marriage, and from this union came one beloved daughter, Lesia.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents, Earl C. Kelso Sr., Emma Kelso, and Jonah Chambers, as well as his brother, John L. Chambers.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 59 years, Ethel Kelso; daughter, Lesia Kelso Guillory (Robert “Neal”); three grandsons, Jarrod, Brayden, and Bryce Guillory; a granddaughter, Jalynn Guillory; sister, Patsy Chambers; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.
Proctor’s Mortuary – Beaumont, is in charge of final arrangements, 3522 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, Texas, 77705 (409) 840-2022.The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com
Rest in peace and thank you for your service