Joe Kelley

Joe Kelley, age 89, went to be with His Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 15th, 2022.

Joe was born in Haines City, FL, on January 31st, 1933, to John William Obie and Nettie Kelley.  On August 18th, 1956, Joe married “his honey”, Nada Lee Smith, and God blessed them with five sons.  Joe, who was fondly known as “Papa Joe” to his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, loved people!  Joe loved his family and friends, and nothing brought him more joy in this life than spending time with them, whether in person, on the phone, or keeping up with them on Facebook. He will be greatly missed by so many who loved him.  While Joe had a life full of adventures and accomplishments, the story that he most loved to tell about was the night he knelt beside a toilet in a bar and gave His life to Christ. Jesus changed Joe, and he spent the rest of his life proclaiming the message of how “the old rugged cross made the difference.” Joe spent his final days singing along with his family of promises of life eternal in the place Jesus has prepared for Him and of how GREAT his God is!  His family is greatly comforted knowing that Joe’s faith has now become sight.

     Joe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nada; brothers, Robert (Adella) and Wayne (Lois); five sons, Joe Jr. (Julie), Wade, Rob (Jill), Tim, and Keith (Jenni); seven grandchildren, Katelyn (Caleb), David (Sarah), Emily (Sam), Karis, Jon, Josh, and Zak; four great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Ruthie, Thatcher, and Nora Jo;  and many other beloved family members and friends.  

Joe’s homegoing celebration   SATURDAY MARCH 4, 2023 AT 10:30AM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN CLEARWATER, KS.

at First Baptist Church of Clearwater, 306 Ross Ave, Clearwater, KS 67026, officiated by Pastor Pat Norris of Bethel Baptist Church in Lakeview Arkansas. Memorials can be directed to Bethel Baptist Church, 5442 Highway 178 W, Lakeview, AR 72642.

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