

Dan W. Kelly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectantly on September 4, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Dan was born on October 19, 1949, in Lubbock, Texas, to the late E.L. Kelly and Recia Kelly. Dan was also preceded in death by his father-in-law H. Lee Holder, mother-in-law Barbara Holder, and sister-in-law Jill Holder.
Dan is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 50 years, Jody Holder Kelly, whom Dan had remembered from college when he ran into her at a bar in Chicago. After a short courtship they were married six months later leading to a lifetime of happiness. He is also survived by their daughter, Jordan Hanselman, her husband, Russel Hanselman, and their children, Hudson and Emme Hanselman; their son, Patrick J. Kelly; his sister, Karen Koehn, and her husband, Narvin Koehn; his brother, Randy Kelly, and his wife, Theresa Kelly; Brother-n-law, Bill Holder and his wife Mary Jo, his sister-n-law Jan Holder and his nieces and nephews, Micah Koehn and wife Heather, Leigh-Anne Koehn, Kelly Koehn Bordovsky and husband Larry, Chris Kelly and wife Olivia, Amy Kelly, Joe Kelly, Billy Holder and wife Stephanie, Allison Hannel and husband Steve, Ryan Ogle, Cory Ogle and wife Lindsey and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dan graduated from Abernathy High School in Abernathy, Texas. A Texas Tech University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Dan began his career in the advertising department at Friedrichs Air Conditioning. Wanting to continue his passion for marketing and the print industry, he decided to buy Gordon Printing Company. After selling Gordon, he finished his career with SmithPrint. Fall was his favorite season, where he merged his professional skills with his love for football, designing programs for local high schools and universities.
Dan’s heart was as expansive as his interests. His deepest love was for his family, creating memories that will endure forever. Alongside Jody, he explored every continent, with cherished destinations including South Africa, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, and Scotland, immersing himself fully in each culture.
He loved his time in Arkansas, duck hunting and shooting trophy deer in south Texas. An avid fly fisherman, Dan cast lines across the globe, with Montana holding a special place as his favorite fishing spot. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, The Governor’s Club, and Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, living with purpose and community.
A fantasy football enthusiast for over 40 years, Dan frequently dominated his league and delighted in selecting football picks with his grandson, Hudson. Dan also loved the competitive game of tennis. As a foodie, he relished exquisite meals and fine wines, amassing an impressive collection of wines and bourbons. Saturday nights were a tradition, featuring his perfectly grilled 3” steaks paired with the best red wine.
Dan’s legacy shines through his boundless curiosity and warmth. He never met a stranger, engaging all with genuine interest and a thirst for knowledge. His infectious enthusiasm and kind spirit endeared him to everyone he met. Heaven is now a livelier, more joyful place, echoing with laughter, stories, and the unmistakable voice of Dan Kelly.
A Memorial Service and celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 East Pecan St., San Antonio, TX 78205. Rev. Ann Fraser officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in memory of Dan W. Kelly.
For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be available via live stream at https://www.stmarks-sa.org/private-stream-2.
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