Martin Emil August Kelm

Martin Emil August Kelm, 89, of Malone passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Town Hall Estates Nursing Home in Hillsboro.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Salem Lutheran Church near Malone with Pastor James Heiser and Deacon Anthony Oncken officiating.  Burial will follow at Salem Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Martin was born November 11, 1933, to Otto W. and Esther A. (Graf) Kelm.  He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church near Malone.  He attended Lutheran school at the church before attending Bynum High School.

In November 1955, Martin was called to serve his country in the United States Navy.  He served on the USS Kermit Roosevelt until 1957 and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in November 1961.

Martin married the love of his life, Darlene Frank Kelm, on June 22, 1958, at Salem Lutheran Church.  They made their home in Red Oak on a small farm where they started their family, while he worked for Dallas Power and Light.  They would eventually buy their farm near Malone.  Martin started farming fulltime raising wheat, milo, corn, cotton, and cattle.  Martin and Darlene always had a large garden and when he slowed down from farming, he started raising goats and taking care of his donkey, Shetland pony, and his dogs Max, Snickers, Preach, and several other animals.  We always teased that Old MacDonald’s farm didn’t stand a chance against Grandpa Kelm’s farm as he and Darlene and their family loved farm animals of all kinds.

Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Darlene, in March 2020.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Norman Kelm, Lenora Johnston, Ellna Thompson, Reynold Kelm, Arthur Kelm, Nolan Kelm, Sam Kelm, Ruth Schedler, and Rev. A. Dean Kelm; several brothers and sisters-in-law; daughter-in-law, Annette Kelm; and other relatives and friends who welcomed him Home.

Survivors include his sons, Gary Kelm and wife, Terri, and Kenneth Kelm; daughter, Cheri Thomas and husband, Luke; grandchildren, Kenneth Kelm, II, Cody Thomas and girlfriend, Tylar Lighfoot, Haley Bow and husband, Matt, Colton Thomas, Bradley Kelm, Kevin Thomas, and Harli Kelm; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Payton Bow.  He is also survived by his special grand dog, Brownie, his donkey, Jack, and his pony, Shorty.

The Kelm family would like to thank Dr. Teague, the Hill Regional ER and hospital staff, Town Hall Estates staff, and the Elara Caring Hospice staff for their care of their father and grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salem Lutheran Cemetery Fund, 718 HCR 3424 E, Malone, TX 76660.