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. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Max and Linda Caywood - Jan 18, 2022
Dear "Lonie" and Family, So sorry to learn of "Kelly's" passing. Always enjoyed running into him no matter what part of the country he might be in at the time. He will always be remembered for his updates on the Plymouth area no matter when he would give a call here in Florida. When he would call the first words were always "How much is gas down there in Florida?" He was a good guy to talk to no matter where. He is now at peace. He really loved his family and his community.
Matt Rish - Jan 16, 2022
I played for Coach Kelley on the 6th grade Vikings around 1986. He coached us hard but fair. I appreciate what he did for us! Condolences to his family.
Sandi Keene Peterson - Jan 16, 2022
Another wonderful man has left this earth, but his presence will always remain in the memories of those who were blessed by his encouragement, laughter & big hugs. See ya on the other side Kenny
Jeanne Metz - Jan 15, 2022
So sorry for your loss loved talking to him at *mom and pops* he always had some great stories and could always make us laugh RIP Kenny
Pat Baker - Jan 15, 2022
So sorry to hear about Kenny’s passing. Always loved talking to him whenever I saw him. He was a great person. He will be missed by many. God be with you Lonnie, Debbie, and Bucky
Virginia Robinson - Jan 15, 2022
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a good Little League coach. We always enjoyed seeing him and talking with him wherever he was. God bless him and family.
Jeanne Metz - Jan 15, 2022
So sorry for your loss loved talking to him at *mom and pops* he always had some great stories and could always make us laugh RIP Kenny
Ed & Debbie Kanney - Jan 14, 2022
So sorry to hear about Ken passing. Prayers for all the Kelley's family. Played a under coach Kelley for number of years great coach and wonder Pearson. I was one of the lucky one to make the trip to base hall of fame in New York & even made it up to Canada what a good time. The ones who made this trip knows what I talking about Kenneth RIP
Jeff and Teri Ray - Jan 14, 2022
What a pleasure our connection with Kenny was. Whether seeing him out and about or his monthly calls, Kenny was always so kind and caring. Our hearts are hurting and we will miss him. Thinking of all of you.
Mike Courtright - Jan 14, 2022
So sorry to hear about the passing of Kenny. His coaching and commitment to us when we played baseball in the Lou Gehrig league will always be a highlight of my youth.
Heather Lopez - Jan 14, 2022
So sorry to hear of his passing he was such a pleasure to have gotten to know he would come into the cafeteria at hospital and we would hook him up with his favorite things and he would sit and visit then I had the pleasure of taking care of him nutritionally his last hospital and he always made my day so much better rest easy mr Kelley till we meet again
Lantz (Britt) family - Jan 13, 2022
Kelley family, so very sorry to hear about the loss of coach Kelley. He was a remarkable man and great inspiration and leader to many. Loved watching him coach at the friendly house. Sending many prayers your way. God Bless.
Paula Jessie - Jan 13, 2022
Deb, Buck, and family. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Coach Kelly made an impression not only on his athletes, but any student he came in contact with. He was such a kind, generous man. You just couldn’t help smiling while talking to him. He did so much for our school and our village. God bless and comfort you. Sending hugs.
Kathi & ruben molina - Jan 13, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss, I loved when he came into the hospital cafeteria and sit and talked ,I loved his stories of his life, he always said I have no complaints, I have lived a great life.
Nancy Wallace Ison - Jan 13, 2022
What a wonderful legacy! I loved your dad. I am so sorry for you and your family.
Marla Ousley Armstrong - Jan 13, 2022
Sad to hear of his passing, he will be missed by all who knew him. I got to serve him many donuts and pour his coffee at Cornell’s while he wait for his wife to get her hair done. More recently visited with him at the Shiloh Ox Roast. He never met a stranger. RIP Kenny
Chuck Cutright - Jan 13, 2022
My most sincere condolences on the passing of a special special man. I pray you can take some comfort knowing his spirit will live on in the hearts of all whose lives he blessed.
Andrea Lawrence - Jan 12, 2022
To the Kelley family and anyone who knew mr Kelley. We had the pleasure of having mr and Mrs Kelley frequent our establishment over the years. My staff grew to know and love them. He knew my dad, well half of my family. My daughter loved him, as did I. There was not a time that we saw him that he didn’t smile and was genuinely happy to see us. whether at the grocery store, sams club, a stop light, our restaurant or when he would stop and visit my parents. I’m so very sorry for your loss. The world seems a little more dim today reading this news. From all of us at Ontario Buffalo Wild Wings, our sincerest condolences to your family. May he Rest In Peace and god wrap his arms around all of you.
Lana Van Vlerah - Jan 12, 2022
Sorry to read about Coach Kelly! Got to know him when I was cheerleading advisor for my daughter’s 6th grade team at Friendly house! Always enjoyed visiting with him, he was a kind soul!
John and Patty Reppart - Jan 12, 2022
So sorry to learn of Kens passing. He was a kind wonderful man. Our Son, JT Reppart , enjoyed the years Ken coached him. Ken was a special man to all the kids he coached . May God give you comfort and peace as you keep all your memories in your heart.
David and Marsha Jump - Jan 12, 2022
There is a little less fun in the world due to Kenney's death. He was a real character who always had a story that would make you laugh. He truly loved his family and was proud of all of you. Hope all the good memories give you peace.
Penny Peyton - Jan 12, 2022
My Uncle Kenny has always been the greatest guy you could ever be around. He would call me and have long conversations and check on my family. A truly great and caring person
Louann Steiner - Jan 12, 2022
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Kelley's loved ones. Knowing him as Cornell's bakery counter regular,was always fun to listen to the regulars share stories. Another exceptional person gone too soon. May your memories bring you comfort.
Fritz and Ann - Jan 12, 2022
Our prayers for the loss of such a kind, loving man. He was a great example for all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Holly Korbas - Jan 12, 2022
I always enjoyed talking to Ken whenever we met! Such a giving, caring man! Heaven has gained a wonderful Angel.
Rex Kilgore - Jan 12, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Kelly. One of the greatest baseball coaches I ever had. A true man of good character. One of the kindest men I ever knew. He will truly be missed in our lives. He will always be in our hearts.
Kathy Dawson Brown - Jan 12, 2022
I didn't know Mr Kelley very well,but when I first met him through my sister down at Macks food land he talked to me every time he seen me...very nice man, prayers for all the family.....Rip Mr Kelley
Mick, Sandi and Michaella OBrien - Jan 12, 2022
Zilona, Buck, Debbie and Family I never met a more sweet friendly person as Kenny. Anytime we met him we always talked about when he coached our son Shawn at the Friendly House. You was a great person Kenny. You will me missed. God Bless.
jerry and molly harrington - Jan 12, 2022
He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by all. So sorry for your loss and heartache. Jerry and Molly Harrington
Shannon David Hamons - Jan 12, 2022
Coach Kelley made a positive, lasting impression on me. He not only taught me baseball, he gave me a love for the game. He was a person that took time to care. He was a person to emulate. My heartfelt condolences to the family. He was one of the good guys.
Kathie wildman - Jan 12, 2022
Coach Kelley was a wonderful man and I am grateful to be able to call him a friend. We stayed in touch even after my sons stopped playing basketball for him. We had so much fun traveling to the different tournaments. He was an intense coach and I loved that. He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor to know him. Love you, Coach❤️
Ronnie Akers - Jan 12, 2022
Best baseball coach Plymouth ever had , shoot the mitt Kenneth Rip
Melvin and Sonja Thornsberry - Jan 12, 2022
Sorry for your loss. I will miss our many hours of talks.
Doug Ebersole - Jan 12, 2022
I was blessed to play for Ken. He was always so gracious and kind to me whether I was playing for him or whether I saw him at the ballpark or at a restaurant or store later in life. He always greeted me with that awesome welcoming smile. I always though a lot of Ken and his wife!!! He had such a fantastic heart!!! Plymouth lost a great man!!! God rest your soul and bless your family Ken!!!
Jeff and Margie Jacobs - Jan 12, 2022
Love Kenneth and Z. We have memories of his coaching years. He and Buck both coached me in basketball. He was a great man to run into and talk about good times. We both worked with Z later on and send our condolences to her and the entire family.
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - Jan 12, 2022
Buck, Deb and family, Our sincere sympathy to all of you in your loss. Kenny was a wonderful man who loved his family very much. Cherish all your wonderful memories. Our continued prayers are with all of you.
Angela Hammett - Jan 12, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Kelley was such a great role model and loved by parents who trusted their children in knowing that if Mr. Kelley were their coach, they had the best! He will truly be missed!❤️
Christine Detillion - Jan 12, 2022
I'm so saddened to hear about Mr. Kelly's passing. He always had a smile for me and a snack while out delivering the mail. What a sweet man and I'm blessed that even though the time was brief that the time was given. Prayers for the family.
Jules & Taylor Jackson - Jan 12, 2022
Our prayers are with all of you at this time! He was such a sweet man & definitely one of the good ones in our world & community.
Brandon Hall - Jan 12, 2022
Our thoughts are with the entire family for your loss. There are influential people in your life that you have the pleasure to spend time with. Mr. Kelley was just that to the Hall family. A truly special man!
Kelly Baker Shifferly - Jan 12, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. I always have remembered your dad being at sports events my whole life growing up. He will never be forgotten. Peace and comfort to all of you
Terri Durbin - Jan 11, 2022
This was a very, very special man who always told me stories. Love you Kenny
Beth Fenner - Jan 11, 2022
Debbie and Bucky, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I always enjoyed talking with him whenever I saw him. Sending prayers of peace and comfort.
Mary and Mike Wenner - Jan 11, 2022
So sorry for your loss I always enjoyed Seeing Kenny at Macks and always stopped to talk to him he was very sweet man.
