John William “Jack” Kelley, age 85, died May 27, 2024, at his residence. Jack was born on January 11, 1939, in Norcatur, KS to Dale and Bula (Price) Kelley. Jack went to a rural one room school house until he went to Decatur Community High School.  While at DCHS he was on the state champion football team of 1955. He graduated from DCHS in 1957.

Jack put himself through college playing football at McCook Junior College then the College of Emporia where he met his wife Anne and received his degree in business. They married December 30, 1962.  He was in City Administration in Longmont, CO and Tucumcari, NM.  While in graduate school at Oral Robert University, Jack and Anne ran Brush Creek Youth Ranch in Jay, OK.  When his father retired Jack returned to the family farm.  He later was a Kansas nursing home administrator in Frankfort, Whitewater and Junction City.  All his life Jack enjoyed handyman projects which he did full time when he retired. His true passion was his love for the Lord and caring for his family. Jack demonstrated his love for Jesus in everything he did.  

Survivors are his wife Anne of Clay Center, brother, Charles and Carolyn (Hurty) of Lamar CO.  Children Margaret, Julie, John and Dana (Wear) of Clay Center. Six grandchildren, Joshua, Jairus, Elias and Anna (Kelley) Butterfield, Abby and Julian.

A celebration of life will held at 4:00PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Clay Center Covenant Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clay Center Covenant Church Benevolent Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.