Thomas Alvah Kennelly

Thomas “Tom” Alvah Kennelly, 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away May 28, 2019, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls.

Tom was born March 19, 1933, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Thomas Franklin Kennelly and Elda May Riley Kennelly.  He grew up and attended schools in the area and graduated from Torrington High School.  He also attended University of Wyoming where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Industry. Following graduation, he attended one year at the University of Denver.

On December 6, 1958, he married Vonda Glee Rice in Torrington, Wyoming. They made their home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was President of Kennelly Mortgage and Investment Organization. He founded Commercial Mortgage Banker’s of Arizona. He was President of the Arizona Mortgage Bankers of Arizona and served as Industry Issues Chairman for Mortgage Bankers Association of U.S.A. Tom was able to arrange through Senator Barry Goldwater to place a flag on the first moon landing.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had been ordained to the office of High Priest. He served in many callings including Bishop, Clerk, High Councilman, Gospel Doctrine Teacher for 12 years and Adult Institute Teacher for 4 years. He served 4 stake missions as well as a church service mission for one year in Phoenix, Arizona.  He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Vonda Glee Kennelly of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Debra Lynn Black (Edward) Karns of Mesa, AZ; son, Thomas Mark (Candy) Kennelly of Tucson, AZ; son, Michael Paul Kennelly of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Kris Robert (David Eilert) Kennelly of Kailua-Kona, HI; brother, Joseph Patrick Kennelly of Scottdale, AZ;  13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Elda Kennelly; brother, John Franklin Kennelly; and grandparents, Tom and Ella Riley and Alvah and Sylvia Kennelly.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge Ave.).