Mac Kelly

Reverend Neal “Mac” Kelly passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after a short illness. Mac married his wife of 55 years, Cheryl Mossler, in 1970. Together, they raised three wonderful children. Mac graduated from the Methodist Theological Seminary in 1977. In his 35 years of ministry, Mac’s passion lay in the areas of youth ministry, camp ministry, and he had several strengths which made him a talented leader in churches that were struggling. Throughout his vocation, he served fourteen congregations in twelve charges, ministering in both the East Ohio and West Michigan Conferences.

Along with his service to the United Methodist Church, Mac served for thirteen years as an enlisted soldier and over twenty years as a chaplain in the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserves reaching the rank of Major.

Mac was a published author and songwriter. He started drop-in ministries in both Kalamazoo, Michigan and Salem, Ohio. More recently, he was involved in Kairos Prison Ministry and was an active member of the Messiah Lutheran Church.

Mac was a minister to thousands and a friend to all. His warm, inviting personality and his sense of humor drew people to him and truly made all he met a friend. He shared his love of music and storytelling with all he met using those strengths to meet people where they lived. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, children, Beth (Mark) McTrustry, Kristy (Greg) Clawson, and Jeff (Dana) Kelly. He is also greatly missed by his grandchildren Caitlyn McTrustry, Aidan McTrustry, Liadan McTrustry, Liam Kelly, and Abbagail Clawson who were all blessed to have him as their Papa. He is also survived by his brother, James Kelly and sister, Kelly Lynch, 6 nieces and nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kelly, sisters, Molly Kelly, Roe Woodley, Jenny Kelly, Mary Lou Kelly, his sister-in-law Linda Kelly and his faithful dog, Snickers. Mac will be greatly missed but all who knew him are grateful that he is at peace, and no longer in pain.

Mac’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with calling hours from 9:30am-11:00am. Mac's funeral service will follow, beginning at 11:00am. All services will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1200 Waggoner Rd. in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. There will be a meal following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be mailed to the East Ohio Annual Conference, PO Box 2800, 8800 Cleveland Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720. Please make checks out to the East Ohio Annual Conference. In the memo, mark in Memory of Mac Kelly and 9896 for Lakeside Institute Camp Scholarships or 9884 for Reach Out Camp Scholarships. Mac was involved with both camps for many years.

You may also make a donation to the HEART Food Pantry at 6475 Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH, by visiting their website (https://heart-market.org/donate). For questions, contact [email protected].

Mac lived his life according to the words of Micah 6: 8. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”