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Donald Kelley Obituary

Kelley
DONALD W. KELLEY
April 30, 1938 - July 6, 2018
Donald W. Kelley, 80, of Colo Spgs, went home to Heaven Friday, July 6, 2018. He was the son of William A. and Verla (Gerlach) Kelley, born April 30, 1938 in New Castle, PA. Don is survived by his children, Sylvia Kelley (Patrick Bymhold), Jonathan Kelley (Tara Shaw), Leslie Austin (James), Donita Bentley (Randy); grandchildren, Ashley Alvarez, Robert Edwards III, Deonne Edwards, Tyreke Wright, Randy Bentley III, Elaine Bentley; and great-grandchildren, Leilani Alvarez and Gyonni Alvarez; as well as his brother & sisters; Richard Kelley (Mary), Lois Kelley & Bonnie Morris (Wayne). He was preceded in death by his parents.
Don was a graduate of New Castle High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Greenville College with a double major in biology & chemistry, and a Master's degree in Education from Oberlin College.
Don taught biology at St Mary's H.S. for 17 years, worked for several lawn care companies as the certified tree care specialist, and in his final years was grounds keeper for the Nazarene Bible College. Don loved being and working outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, rock hunting & prospecting, and recycling.
In the 1980's Don created and cleared walking-trails for Golden Bell Ranch in Divide and Horn Creek Ranch in Westcliffe, without cutting down trees. These included his published trail guides of plant & animal life in the area and along each trail.
Per his final wishes, Don's body has been donated to science with The Anatomical Board of the State of Colorado at the UCHealth, Anschutz Campus, Aurora, CO.
A memorial service and luncheon to follow will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2018 at Eastborough Church of the Nazarene, 4123 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Colo Spgs, CO 80909.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org or his church (as listed above).

Published by The Gazette on Jul. 11, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Love you dad. Thinking of you.

Jon Kelley

July 17, 2018

It was "kool" spending time with you Mr Kelly

Mark Mccombe

July 16, 2018

You taught and coached kids how to be students and athletes to perform at a high quality. You taught them in that would prepare for life skills and stuggles- a true educator. May you rest in peace

joe moroski

July 15, 2018

Miss you, Mr. Kelley. Always one of my favorite teachers at St. Mary's High School. Thanks for always supporting our basketball team even though you were a wrestling coach. Gonna miss you buddy. God be with you and your family.

Tony DuCros

July 12, 2018

May God bless and keep each family member. Love each and everyone of you. Ya'll are in my heart and prayers.

Leigh Walker

July 12, 2018

With deepest sympathy.

Gowen Family

July 11, 2018

Don Kelley was my teacher and mentor in High School. He coached me in Freshman Football, Wrestling (4 years), Track(3 years) and Cross Country(2 years). He inspired success in the classroomI still remember him telling us that there were over 20 variety of leave in Monument Park as we had the leaf collection assignment in Sophomore Biology. He also taught me advance biology in my senior year.

More importantly than a being a teacher or coach, we was a mentor. I can remember just talking to him about things, large and small and personal or not. He was the man you did not want to disappoint. I remember introducing him toe my wife and son, when I returned from my first overseas assignment.

Don Kelly is the teacher I remember, when I think of a teacher from my schools that impacted my life. (Sorry Coach, my best teachers are still my parents, and you will have to settle for third.) One of the reasons I have a passion for education is Don Kelley. I thought of him when I dedicated my Dissertation for my Doctorate to those who influenced my life.

It was my hope that he would join us, the Class of 74, for our reunion next year. We will drink a toast to him.

Jeff Gowen
St Mary's Class of 1974

Jeff Gowen

July 11, 2018

Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Mr Kelley was my high school Biology teacher and cross country coach. A fine teacher of academics and of life.

Page Smith

July 11, 2018

Coach Kelley was my biology instructor at St. Mary's HS in the early 1970's, he was a very good teacher and a great guy. My deep condolences to his family and friends.

Matt McCombe

July 11, 2018

thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr. Kelley was my teacher at St Marys high school.

sharon (Van Alstyne)Nordstrom

July 11, 2018

Did not know your Dad personally, but know you well and still do. So very sorry for the loss of your Father .To you all of your families.

Renee Larson

July 11, 2018

Daddy, It just does not feel right not seeing you everyday.. I miss you more than words can say. Like Pastor told me, I have a permanent hole in my heart that is Donald Kelley. You are finally free of pain and suffering daddy! All that faithfulness paid off. now you can enjoy your eternal life in heaven. Tell mom we love and miss her. Thank you for ALL you have done for me! Watch over us dad, I love you!!!

Leslie Austin

July 11, 2018

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