Obituary of Kelton E. Canfield

Kelton E. "Kelly" Canfield, 80, of 124 Catlin Ave., died at 2:40 a.m. Saturday (May 19, 2012) in WCA Hospital. He was born September 21, 1931 in Fairdale, PA, a son of the late Oscar L. and Zida Elizabeth Shotwell Canfield. In early years, Kelly played semi-professional football as a running back in the Triple Cities, Endicott, Johnson City and Binghamton, NY. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1950 and served until 1954 during the Korean War in the Atlantic. He then worked in the New York City area for a short time before becoming employed by Agway. Kelly worked for Agway for over 41 years, 21 years in Horseheads, Elmira, Owego, Candor and Falconer, NY and for 20 years at the Jamestown Regional Mill, retiring in 1994. Kelly was formerly a member of Falconer United Methodist Church where he was past president of the Couples Club, served as an usher and was the chef and planner of many dinners for Mother/Daughter Banquets, Couples Club, Camping for Youth Church Camp and church potluck dinners. He served as treasurer of the Falconer Golden Falcons and enjoyed helping with many of their parades. Kelly was a charter member and past Distinguished President of the Falconer Kiwanis. He became a member of Christ First United Methodist Church in 1981. A member of the Moose since 1968, Kelly was a life member of the Ira Lou Spring Post 149 American Legion where he was a past Commander serving two consecutive terms, board member and member of the firing squad. He enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends. Surviving is his wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Sawyer Canfield whom he married in 1954 in Greenwich Village, New York City; a son, Paul S. (Dawn) Canfield of New Hampshire and daughter, Elizabeth Ann Williams of Falconer; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Myrna Gail Davidson of Maryland. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clinton and Cleon Canfield. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Christ Chapel of Christ First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Natalie Hanson will officiate. Inurnment will be in Troy, PA. Friends will be received in Darrah Hall of the church following the service Thursday.