Darlene Clara (Frank) Kelm

Darlene Clara (Frank) Kelm, 82, of Malone passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Town Hall Estates in Hillsboro.  Private family services will be held.  Mrs. Kelm will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Darlene was born on October 29, 1937, in Malone, to William H. and Melinda T. (Schronk) Frank.  On June 22, 1958, she was united in marriage to Martin E. Kelm at Salem Lutheran Church in Malone.

During her life, Darlene worked at a fabric store and several sewing factories.  She was an excellent seamstress and did a lot of sewing for her kids when they were growing up.  She loved working along side Martin on the farm, where they grew wheat, grain sorghum, cotton, hay, and raised cattle.  They always had a large garden, and Darlene would can and freeze as many vegetables as possible to last until the next gardening season.  She enjoyed working in her flower beds and loved animals, especially watching birds.  Her biggest joy was spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; younger brother, Wilburn Frank; daughter-in-law, Annette Kelm; and other relatives and friends who welcomed her Home.

Survivors include her loving husband of 61 years, Martin E. Kelm of Malone; sons, Gary Kelm and wife, Terri, and Kenneth Kelm, all of Malone; daughter, Cheri Thomas and husband, Luke, of Grandview; grandchildren, Kenneth Kelm, II of Malone, Cody Thomas of Hillsboro, Haley Bow and husband, Matt, of Godley, Colton Thomas of Grandview, Bradley Kelm of Malone, Kevin Thomas of Grandview, and Harli Kelm of Malone; special grand-dog, Brownie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The Kelm family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Teague, Dr. Seely, and the staffs at Homestead Heritage Nursing Home, Town Hall Estates Nursing Home, and Community Healthcare for the care given to Darlene.

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

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