Kevin James Kelley
September 29, 1956 ~ October 14, 2009
Kelley, Kevin James, 53, of Wichita, died Wednesday, October 14, 2009, after a two and a half-year battle with brain cancer. He spent his final days in his home surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Kevin was born in Chicago, Illinois, September 29, 1956 to Hugh and Miriam Kelley. He graduated from Creighton University in 1979 where he received his Bachelors of Science in Speech Pathology. The last thirty years of Kevins life were spent in Wichita where he raised four children and two step-children, established his own business, Norrell Staffing Services, and developed many lasting friendships. Kevin will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his commitment to the Christian faith, and his love, generosity, and willingness to serve others. Although he was also known for his strong work ethic, Kevin treasured the simple moments in life: playing golf, drinking coffee, making people laugh, celebrating his Irish roots, and most importantly, watching his family grow. Kevin is survived by his wife, Heidi, his sons, Fletcher, Ryan and Miles, his daughters, Clancey, Ashley and Abby, a daughter-in-law, Kylie, his granddaughter, Kaitlin, two brothers, Gary Kelley and Bob Kelley, and one sister, Mary Kelley-Hoff. The memorial service will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 17, 2009 at First Mennonite Brethren Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or online at www.mdanderson.org/gifts. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Kevin. I knew Kevin from Creighton and was a fraternity brother of his. I met his folks on a trip to Chicago in Barrington and of course to see the White Sox. All the best to his family and friends. This news was sent over Facebook through the SAE’s at Creighton. There are many friends of Kevin, including myself, who wish we would have stayed in touch. Good bless.
My deepest sympathy to Kevins’ family. I worked for Kevin back in Wichita at Ardan’s and Winston’s Department Store. What an awesome boss to work for and a great person. Thoughts and Prayers.
Heidi and family, Words are insufficient to convey our feelings at Kevins passing. We are grateful for the years of having Kevin and you as neighbors and friends, and we will miss Kevins always cheerful greetings. We have watched your family grow up through the years and the part that Kevin played in the process. Kevin was a very supportive father, from the evening games of hoops on the driveway to soccer games in the earlier years to support for educational and vocational endeavors of your children. Perhaps the most consistent discussions Kevin and I had as we brushed into each other in the yard were those of how to make sure each of our kids received a good education and ‘got it right’ as they moved out on their own. Anita and I know well the challenges of a blended family and it is apparent that you and Kevin have worked hard to instill these values in your children. We will dearly miss the man who obsessed over mowing the lawn, maintaining the cleanest driveway in town, and was the vigilant neighbor keeping watch over the homes on the cul de sac. We will always hold fond memories of the gray-haired head over the backyard fence, the mustachioed Santa Claus delivering Christmas treats on a snowy morning, and the annual broadcast of Bing Crosby Christmas carols from the back deck on Christmas Eve. Our prayers are with you and your children. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need.
Fletcher, Clancy, Ryan & Mile, I am so sorry for your loss. Although the time now is hard, your father is in a better place. He is a peace, and my prayers for you are that you will be comforted in knowing that. I will keep you all and your family in my prayers. God Bless, Chereyl Stratton
My son, Jason Iuen, played baseball for years on teams that Kevin coached. Jason was not the strongest baseball player, but Kevin never treated him any less than the best player on the team. It has been several years since those days, but it is something that we will never forget. As I am sure he did with all people he touched during his life, Kevin made a difference with the boys he coached. My heartfelt sympathy to your family on your loss…
Heidi, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult period. Although you are certainly grieving the loss of Kevin, I hope you are able to also take solace in that your family was able to spend time together and enjoy one another over the past months. Please be sure to let me know if there is anything that would be of assistance to you/your family in the coming days. Deepest Sympathy, John Dandurand
Heidi and family: I wanted to send you this poem as a tribute to Kevin: God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be So He put His arms around you and whispered ‘Come with Me.’ With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away. Although we couldnt bear to lose you we couldnt ask you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. Its lonesome here without you, we miss you more each day. Life doesnt seem the same since you have gone away. When days are sad and lonely, and everything goes wrong, We seem to hear you whisper, ‘Cheer up and carry on.’ Each time we see your picture You seem to smile and say, ‘Dont cry, Im in Gods Hands, Well meet again someday!’
Heidi and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tammy Hourigan
Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t know Kevin, from what you’ve told me I think he was a fighter through and through, yet always seemed to maintain his spririts and his hope. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
To the Kelley Family: I am so sorry for your loss and want you all to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Kevin’s smile and he was always happy go lucky. Remember, God only takes the best! Kevin is at piece now, no more pain and suffering. Treasure the memories and surround yourself with loved ones. He will be watching over you!
We were very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.