Richard (Dick) Laurence Kelley
Richard (Dick) Laurence Kelley, age 94, peacefully entered Heaven on December 3, 2024 in his wife’s arms and his family by his side. He was born September 8, 1930 in the tiny village of West Clarksfield, Ohio to Laurence and Virginia (Welton) Kelley, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Betty Lou. Dick met and married the love of his life, Marcia (Short) Kelley in 1963, at the Christian Church in Angola, Indiana, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage on August 17, 2024 and she survives him. He is also survived by five children: three daughters, Robin Kelley Masloski (Mike) of West Lafayette, OH; Lisa Kay Ford (Tom) of Indianapolis, IN; and Rhonda Linn Marsh (Gary) of Findlay, and two sons, Erik Richard Kelley (Stephanie) of West Lafayette, Ohio and Mark Brian Kelley (Misty) of Winter Garden, FL. Sixteen grandchildren: Miranda Lyda (Matt); Chelsie Perales (Guilermo); Kelley Ford (Karlie); Anna Ford (Andy); Kyle and Colton Smith; Jacob Kelley (Summer); Emma, Sara, Ava and Lila Kelley; Koby, Kelley and Kya Masloski, and Carter and Kathryn Kelley. Six great grandchildren: Guilermo, Sofia and Santiago Perales, and Fletcher, Scarlett and Savannah Ford (born 12/5/24). A brother, J.W. Kelley (Cheri) of Norwalk, also survives him, as well as a sister-in-law, Dianne (Keith) Beechy and a brother-in-law, Ken Short; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Dick was a happy, people loving guy with a captivating smile who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was liked by everybody and absolutely adored by his family. He attended Clarksfield Elementary School in the building built by his great, great grandfather Sinclair. In 1948, he graduated from New London High School and enrolled at The Ohio State University. In 1950, having run out of money, he enlisted in the Unted States Air Force and served his country from 1951-1955 including three years in Europe where he served with the 20th Fighter Bomber Wing as part of the first atomic weapon outside the U.S. After his tour of duty, he returned to The Ohio State University utilizing the GI Bill and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics in 1958. His agricultural career spanned over 40 years as a District Sales Manager for various fertilizer and seed companies covering 22 counties in Northwest Ohio.
Dick’s second career was devoted to community service. He served as Allen Township Trustee from 1990-2002 as well as serving as Allen Township Clerk from 1988-1990. During his tenure he was instrumental in building the Allen Township Sportsplex. He served two terms as president and two terms as vice-president of the Hancock County Trustee Association. He was also elected to two four-year terms on the Ohio Township Board of Directors (OTA) at which time, he served as chairman of the Finance Committee, Legislative Committee, State Fair Committee and the Environmental Committee. When his children were in sports at Van Buren, he served as a member and president of the Van Buren High School Athletic Boosters. Dick was also a life time member of the Amvets.
Being a Shriner was a big part of Dick’s retirement life and he served as Commander of his Legion of Honor Unit and spent many hours in elementary schools promoting patriotism and respect for the American Flag. He was a member of the Scottish Rite-Senobia Temple Valley of Toledo, and over 60 years member of the Masonic Lodge #301.
Dick bought the “fold out” camper the first year he and Marcia were married and they had great family camping trips. They graduated to RV life in their retirement years, enjoying RV trips all over the United States and Cananda. During a tour of Europe, he was able to share, with her, where he was stationed during his time there. He loved OSU games and tailgating at every home game when their kids attended OSU, His favorite times were with his family, whether it be loading everybody in the RV for our annual Father’s Day Zoo trip, treating over 20 family members to the annual Shrine Circus, family group vacations, or simply family getting together at home. He will be missed, never forgotten, and the world is a better place because of him.
Dick’s family sincerely appreciates the loving care he received from staff at Lafayette Pointe and Interim Hospice during his two months stay.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. A Masonic Service will begin at 1:00 PM Friday with a funeral service to follow. Burial will follow in Bechtel Cemetery where full military rites will be conducted by the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Dick to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.
Category: Obituaries
