Leonard at Large

Remembering Judge Kelso

Recently, Judge H.A. Kelso made the transition into another dimension. He was a person with much prestige, and I feel that I must say a few things. While being acquainted with him for many years, I have given much thought to a few of the things I remember about him.

When I first became acquainted with him, he and I worked in the same building. Perhaps I knew him before he became the judge for the 28th Judicial Circuit.

Circuit. That now seems like it was a number of years ago. He retired approximately 28 years ago. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then.

He enjoyed their home in the western part of town. The Kelsos had a pasture where Karen and Susan Hargus kept their horses. Warren, a coworker of mine, often talked about his experiences of having the horses at that location. The girls were enrolled in the 4-H horsemanship project and were active with their horses. This is something that meant a lot to them and has provided many good memories. The judge and Doradee had a great amount of interest in the girls' project and what they were doing, giving them encouragement. These ladies remain fond of the Kelsos.

The judge especially enjoyed the farm they had and enjoyed staying there.

There he had a good pecan grove. The grove was well kept and he kept a record of each tree and what it produced. If a tree was not producing well or did not have good nuts, the tree was removed.

We used to pick up pecans in the fall. That is among my good memories and experiences in life. One of the places we went to pick up the pecans was out at the Kelso Farm. He was one of the first to have a grove that helped to provide know-how in the pecan industry. Now, that industry has developed into a major enterprise in Vernon County.

Many people have known Judge Kelso for his conservation practices. I remember going to the farm when a group of grade school students went there on a field trip to learn about conservation practices. The USDA office representatives were involved and we pointed out the waterways, the terraces, the crops that were planted and other things relating to conservation.

Included on the farm was a nice lake, which is a beautiful place. It is a good place for wildlife. The judge especially enjoyed fishing and took many a good fish out of the lake.

For what he did for conservation and the devotion he gave to it, he was elected as Farmer-Sportsman of the year in 1966. In addition to being an avid fisherman, he was also an avid hunter. While, I have never been an avid hunter, I know that many distinguished persons have hunted at the Kelso farm with the judge.

I, too, have fished in his lake, but it was many years ago. Now I am asking myself, why did I not fish there more? Perhaps one of the reason is that I do not get in enough fishing. It is bad being too busy to fish, especially in such a good location.

He was well experienced in hosting fish fries for groups, seeing to it that an adequate amount of fish was provided. He also was involved with the cooking.

Judge Kelso was active at the United Methodist Church and attended regularly.

Among his activities at the church was the United Methodist Men group. Only a few years ago, he invited the men out for a fish fry. With the men in charge, the entire congregation was invited.

I had an opportunity to attend that fish fry. I do not think I have ever eaten fish that tasted any better. Robert Palmer and I ate so much fish that it is a wonder that we did not founder. It was sooooo good, that Robert and I kept eating.

Since, I have been there fat least one time for a fish fry, and it was just as good as before.

The judge was a reader of this column and often gave me compliments for the columns. With him giving good comments, I thought "wow." Coming from a person with his intellect, it was always encouraging.

He was known as Judge Kelso and referred to as Judge Kelso. Recently while he was in the hospital, the Rev. Ralph Clark related that he called the KU Medical Center to check on the judge, realizing he did not know his name, only Judge Kelso. However, only two Kelsos were in the hospital and the other one was a lady.

I was not able to attend his memorial service, although I did want to be there.

Until I gave thought to knowing Judge Kelso, I did not realize how long I had known him.

He did many things during his life and was a good person to have known. I am glad that I had the experience of knowing him. His good and friendly handshake is missed. Deepest sympathy is extended to his family. So long "Judge" Kelso.