Donald George Kelley

It was a cold February day in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania when Charles and Helen welcomed a bouncing baby boy into the world. They would name him Donald George, but most people would just call him Don. Many would call him friend, some would call him Mr. Kelley, Pops, and there would be those that would call him coach. But there were 2 that called him brother, then there those extra special people who called him Papa D or Papa Don, 3 would call him Dad and for 66 years there was the one that called him best friend, partner and husband.

For most 7th grade boys, school dances are events to be dreaded - - the time spent leaning against the wall with your friends, hoping to get the courage to ask that special girl to dance and praying she would say yes. But for Don, there was no sitting on the sideline. He sauntered up to a beautiful young 7th grade girl, put out his hand and asked her to dance (maybe they danced to Patsy Cline singing Always, we will never know). What we do know is that on April 5, 1958, they exchanged vows and wrote a love story for the ages!

We could spend pages talking about Don and the life he built. It was a life that included starting a family business with his dad and brothers, and developed into him working alongside his son and daughter; Mike and Karen. It was a life that would include running 46 full marathons and 13 half-marathons - - running his first at age 50. It would include impacting the lives of countless young people at Willowcreek Little League. And of course, it would include the people he loved at Bingo.

But what mattered most for Don was his family. Family was always the most important thing to Don. He fully understood what Walt Disney meant when he said, “Life is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family.”

Don is survived by his 3 children, Karen (Larry) Packard, Mike (Cindy) Kelley, Lisa (Steve) Wright. Grandchildren Kelley Packard, Michael (Ansley) Packard, Taylor (Taylor) Walton, Kyle Wright. Greatgrandchildren Kendyl and Karsyn Packard. And countless friends and employees, at C. K. Kelley & Sons, who will miss Don deeply.

Don was preceded in death by his loving spouse, Marlyn, his parents, Charles and Helen, and his brothers, Bill and Jim.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends and family for the love and support during these difficult times. Also, there are not the words that can fully express our thankfulness to the staff at Stone Creek, for their assistance and guidance the last few months.

In honor of Donald's love for the Astros, we ask everyone attending his service to wear their Astros attire.

A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Cr, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095. A catered reception will occur Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095.