Donald M. Kelly, 82, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 3:35 pm, Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Wellbrooke of Wabash. He was born October 26, 1935 in Wabash County, to Jesse and Edna (Sopher) Kelly.
Donald was a 1953 graduate of Laketon High School. He was a United States Army veteran. He married Waneta Jean “Jeanie” (Carey) Bowman on April 26, 1979; she died September 3, 2016. Donald was a tool and die maker at General Motors, in Marion, for 31 years, retiring on January 1, 1988. He attended Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church. He loved his family from kissing all over his great-grandchildren, to the love and support he gave his children and grandchildren. Dad was proud of each of us! He also enjoyed working with his hands, tinkering in his garage and keeping a beautiful yard. Riding that tractor was the highlight of his day. We all remember the years he would preach and sing about his passion for his Lord and Savior. We all love you and will miss you greatly, Dad!
He is survived by five children, Paula (Dave) Gospodareck of Columbia City, Indiana, Randy (Elise) Kelly of Wabash, Pam (Greg) Ayers of Tucson, Arizona, Rod (Kathy) Kelly of Brownsburg, Indiana, Ryan Kelly of Greentown, Indiana, two step children, Mark (Debbie) Bowman of Wabash, and Karen Ellis of Fishers, Indiana, 22 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, Leroy (Joan) Kelly of Wabash, Margie (Bill) Bell of Fort Worth, Texas, Willadean (John) Tschantz of Wabash, Joann (David) Thrush of Fort Worth, Texas, John (Biljana) Kelly of Evansville, Indiana, and Jeanette Pearson of Las Vegas, Nevada, sisters-in-law, Patsy Kelly of Cromwell, Indiana, and Bonnie Kelly of Lagro, Indiana. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles Kelly and Paul Kelly, and his sister, Margaret Kelly.
Funeral services will be 2:30 pm, Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor Greg Ayers officiating. Burial will be in Mississinewa Cemetery, Somerset. Friends may call 12:30 – 2:30 pm, Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church.
The memorial guest book for Donald may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.