Kelly Rae DeGraffenreid
Kelly Rae DeGraffenreid, 77, of Monett passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022. He is survived by his wife Donna, of 57 years; his daughter Stacy (David) DeSutter; brother Jerry (Marian); brother Rick (Alexis); brother Randy (Linda); sister-in-law Brenda DeGraffenreid; sister-in-law Carolyn Burks (Gary); brother-in-law Mike Brown (Traci); numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy DeGraffenreid; and brothers Ron and Terry DeGraffenreid.
He was born July 1, 1944 in St. Louis and grew up on the farm in Bolivar where he graduated high school in 1962. He married Donna on Oct. 4, 1964. He attended Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, on a basketball scholarship, where he earned a bachelor’s of education degree. He later earned a master’s of education degree from Drury College, Springfield. He was a basketball coach and taught both history and driver’s education for numerous schools while living in Bolivar. He enjoyed being a faculty sponsor on several senior trips. He ended his career in education as assistant principal at Camdenton High School while living in rural Camdenton. He made a career change in 1983, moving to Monett as an agent for Shelter Insurance for the next 31 years. He made several lifelong friends during both of his careers.
He was a very accomplished high school and college athlete and was inducted, along with his brothers, into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Nov. 2, 2011.
Per his wishes, there are no plans for memorial services at this time.
Category:
Lawrence County Record
312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com