Judson (Jud) Kell was born March 28, 1943 and went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ at home surrounded by family, March 24, 2024 just 4 days short of his 81st birthday, following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Judson, along with his twin brother, Dudley, was born in Tacoma, Washington to Harry and Eva Kell, and grew up in the small town of PeEll, Washington.
Jud and twin brother, Dud, joined the US Army as a pair. Following basic training, they pulled a 2-year tour of duty in Babinhousen, Germany. Following an honorable discharge in 1965, Jud began work for Weyerhaeuser Company in Raymond, Washington. It was then he met his wife of 57 years, Christine (Chris) Kell. Chris lived between Raymond and PeEll and he passed by her every evening on his way home from work. More often than not, he went home, cleaned up and drove the 20 miles back to spend time with her hanging out at the local Dairy Queen. They were married July 30, 1966.
In 1972, Jud, Chris and family moved to Tillamook, when he took a job as a planerman at Publishers Paper. As the mill changed hands, he retired as the corporate planerman for Hampton Lumber in 2005. He enjoyed being sent to Hampton mills in the US and Canada to set up/repair/teach in the planer department. Following his time at Hampton, he became a consultant though various companies, and spent the last years of his profession with Dennis Miller of A&M Manufacturing, which he loved.
Jud never met a person he didn’t like. His smile and unconditional love were experienced by everyone he met. His “Jud hugs” were abundant and welcomed by many. So much so, that he has been honored as an honorary Fred Meyer “employee” due to his years of walks and hugs around the store.
Jud is survived by his wife, Chris; Daughter, Elaine Carty (Doug) of Sisters, Oregon; son, Darin Kell (Jennifer) of Klamath Falls, Oregon; Grandsons, Justin Aufdermauer, Caleb Faulkner, Colin Kell, and Austin Kell; great granddaughters Faith and Aleah Aufdermauer; and twin brother Dudley Kell (Sharon) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Eva, and brothers, John and Ernie. In addition, Jud was excited about seeing his still-born granddaughter, Alison Kell, when he got to Heaven.
