Everett L Kelly, former VP of Big A Auto Parts, died Dec. 2. He was born May 14, 1919, in Palco, Kan. His family later moved to Canyon City, Colo., when he was two years old. Everett went to be with our Lord on Dec. 2, 2010.

Living through the depression with very little, Everett was determined to make a better life for his family. Everett put himself through three years of college while working at B.K. Sweeney Co. in Denver, Colo. In 1940, Everett met and married the love of his life, Annetta, on Sept. 14. Everett and Annetta celebrated their 70th anniversary this year 2010. During WWII, Everett was the plant manager for B.K. Manufacturing, which made critical parts and tools for WWII airplanes. Everett earned many promotions at work and became a VP of B.K. Sweeney in 1955. He was then selected to start up a new division for B.K. Sweeney called Wonstop Auto Parts and was made President of Wonstop in 1958.

In 1963, B.K. Sweeney sold Wonstop Auto Parts to Gulf and Western. Gulf and Western wanted Everett to play a major role in the building of a national auto parts distribution company called Big A Auto Parts and made Everett a regional vice president of the company.

Everett later became the senior vice president, the No. 2 person in the company. In 1974, Everett and Annetta purchased a second home in Ahwatukee, Ariz., and began spending their winters there while spending their summers in Denver. Everett and Annetta did a lot of business traveling with Gulf and Western. In 1984, Everett retired and he and Annetta moved their Arizona home to Leisure World in Mesa, Ariz. In 1985, they sold their home in Denver and purchased a second home in Payson, Ariz. Everett and Annetta were active members of a local church in every town they lived in. After retirement they traveled to most countries of the world with some of their friends. They also took their children and grandchildren on a trip to Disney World and later on a Caribbean cruise. On their 50th anniversary they took their two children and their spouses on a two week trip in Europe. They have been very generous in sharing their good fortune with their family over the years. Everett made many friends over the years and he will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Annetta Kelly and two sons, Dick (Joan) Kelly and Jerry (Cheryl) Kelly. He is also survived by his brother Duane (Jeanne) Kelly. Everett had a very close relationship with his seven grandchildren: Trisha Starkey, Sandra Auer, Ty (Angie) Kelly, Mark (Jennifer) Kelly, Todd (Bobbi Jo) Kelly, Ryan (Melissa) Kelly and Drew Wolfe. Everett had 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Everett grew up during the depression with his mother and father Hazel and Elmer Kelly.