Kenneth G Kelley
On January 10, 2022 Kenneth G Kelley, age 85 died peacefully at home under the care of his loving family following a brief illness. He was a long time resident of the Plymouth area where he moved his family in 1964. He always said it was the best decision he and his wife ever made. He was born on February 26, 1936 to George and Delphne (Finfgeld) He was a member of the American Legion and the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Retirees.
Kenny was active in the community, coaching Little League and Lou Gehrig. He often funded trophies out of his own pocket, and one year even loaded up his team in a borrowed station wagon and took them to the Baseball Hall of Fame in New York. Those boys, fifty years later, still reminisce about the trip and the shenanigans that ensued.
He later began coaching 6th grade basketball for 25 years. Coach Kelley had players from Plymouth, Ashland, Tiffin, Shelby, and Willard. It was an intense program: they traveled to many different towns to scrimmage, then played their league games on Saturday mornings at the Friendly House, and participated in large tournaments in Cleveland. His cheerleaders and players fondly remember the annual Christmas party and dance he hosted at his home. He met many wonderful kids and parents who became his life long friends.
Kenny, following in his dads footsteps, became a railroader in 1965, and truly loved his job. He retired from the N&W Railroad in 1991 and was blessed to enjoy 31 years of retirement. He and his wife traveled in their motorhome to various destinations, including Wyoming, Montana, Missouri, Colorado, the New England states. They were thrilled to winter in Florida for 10 years.
Young at heart, he made so many happy memories with his kids and grandkids. There was always fun to be had, whether it be camping, boating, going to air shows, flea markets, amusement parks, or just venturing over to Cornells for donuts.
Kenny was an animal lover and grieved over the loss of each and every dog or cat that had become a member of his family. His kindness extended to humans as well. His continuous smile and love for conversation netted him many new friends, both young and old. He loved to talk, but what really made him special was his ability to listen.
He loved God and his country. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Navy Reserves. After Desert Storm, he and his wife traveled to Fort Bragg to welcome the troops home. They did not have a family member to greet, but just wanted to hug the returning soldiers and thank them.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Zelona Jane (Prince) Kelley whom he married September 30, 1957. Daughter Debbie (Ralph) Noble of Plymouth, Son, Kenneth Buck (Toni) Kelley of Plymouth, foster son, Scott Harris of Plymouth, 5 grandchildren, Chassy Mosqueda, Liza Bays, Casey Kelley, Adam Milligan, and Draven Kelley, 5 great grand children, Sadie Mosqueda, Jackson Bays, Foster Mosqueda, Lily Bays, and Parker Milligan, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, George and Delphine Kelley, and two brothers, Robert and Richard Kelley.
There will be calling hours Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lifepoint Church in Plymouth, followed by the funeral beginning at 1:00 PM with Reverend Rich Hurles and Elder Marty Carty officiating. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society or North Central Hospice.