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Keith D. Kelley, 71, of Tavares, FL, formerly of Fairborn, OH, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Tavares House Cornerstone Hospice Care.
He was born January 20, 1952, in Dayton, OH, to the late Mary Louise (Sketo) and Douglas Brown Kelley. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sisters, Mary Penwell and Kay Ann Cook; brother, Douglas Kelley; Granny Sketo; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Surviving are his loving wife, Shirley Ann (Kramer), whom he married March 9, 1979, in Fairborn, OH; sons, David (Danielle) Kelley and Dennis (Beverly) Kelley; 4 grandchildren: Davis Kelley, Emerson Kelley, Max (Kacy) Becker, and Patrick Kelley; 3 great-grandchildren, Macy Becker, Landon Reid, and Kaitlyn Reid; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Keith’s extensive employment career included sales, engineering, and technical trainer, retiring in 2017.
A member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg, FL, Keith also participated in many church activities in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida, including the pre-teen Adventure Club, as well as performing in various plays and dramas, including playing Sheriff Billy Jerk, the villain everyone loved. Keith was a Master Mason at Ohio Lodge #764, in Fairborn. Currently, he served as secretary of the Tavares Lions Club and was past President of the Maggie Valley Lions Club. Keith was a volunteer of the Fairborn, Ohio, PACT unit, and in 1979, he was a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America in Fairborn. Upon moving to Florida in 2016, Keith organized several Gold Cart Parades for residents of Lake Frances Estates (LFE), maintained a schedule for the LFE Breakfast Club, and completed the Citizens Academy of Lake County course. Keith enjoyed singing in various choirs, wood working, playing cards, and traveling with Shirley. Most of all he loved spending time with family and his large circle of friends.
Keith will forever be remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to help others.
Memorial contributions may be made in Keith’s honor to the following: Cornerstone Hospice House 2445 Lane Park Road Tavares, FL 32778 866.742.6655 cornerstonehospice.org
SERVICE: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 5:00 pm Celebration of Life The Kelley Residence 1314 Apache Circle Tavares, FL 32778 *This will be followed by a Golf Cart Parade. Additional celebrations will be held later. Condolences:
baldwincremation.com/obituaries/keith-darin-kelley/
ARRANGEMENTS: Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society 1350 E. Burleigh Boulevard Tavares, FL 32778 352.508.9501
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Andrea Bakanauskas (Wilkes)
Keith was a fun fellow who I first met in junior high at Central. Rest in Peace. Your loss is making me feel really old. I still see you as the crazy guy with the black glasses who was such a fun person. Andrea Bakanauskas Wilkes
Jacqueline Jones (Marks)
Sweet memories of Keith diring our high school times. He was funny, kind and caring. He Always made those around him feel included and part of whatever was happening! May the peace of God give him rest.
Deborah Olsen
Hello all,
I also met Keith back in junior high. He was always caring and kind. Condolences, to all, on the loss of this special person.
Deb. Olsen
Michael E Conner
I knew Keith through Jr and high school. Good friend, funny and just a great person to be around. condolences to all family and loved ones.
Deborah Fair (McKenzie)
Such a sweet guy, always a smile on his face. Rest in peace my friend.Marie Ciano (Carson)
Keith was a wonderful guy with such winning attributes. He was smart, kind, and funny. Prayers for his family. Rest in peace.
Sherman Patrick
Keith had way to make everyone around him feel better. Infectious is a good word for his personality. In ninth grade, we were on the Central Jr. High football team. Mr. McGuire was the coach. At the end of practice once he told the team that if we hit each other and it was loud enough we could go to the showers without running the ten laps around the field. Keith and I paired off, so about 5ft apart we took our stance and hit so hard it echoed off the school building. Needless to say, we got to go to the showers! I still feel that to this day. Keith was a special friend. I pray for the family. Godspeed Keith!
Ted Stahl
We would often meet Keith and Shirley for lunch in Winter Park, Fl.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Phillip Fischer
R I P K K! Love, Hugs and prayers to your family and friends!
Peg Gebhart (Vorac)
I had such a crush on Keith in junior high. He was a great guy and I was sorry to hear about his death. RIP, Keith.