Dennis Patrick Kelley

Dennis Patrick Kelley, 68, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022. He was a loving and devoted husband and father of three. Kelley was born May 25, 1953 to Michael and Laurel (Oxender) Kelley in Borger, Texas.

Kelley was a Peace Officer for 43 years with the majority of service being with the Lubbock Police Department. According to the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office Academy’s records, he held the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Certification as a TCOLE Master Peace Officer, TCOLE Basic Instructor, and TCOLE Firearms Instructor.

As a Sergeant, Kelley was awarded the Distinguished Service Ribbon on March 15, 2000 for his continued and exemplary service to the Lubbock Police Department. Kelley dedicated eighteen years of his career to the SWAT team. He was a member of the Selective Law Enforcement Unit and the Street Crimes Unit. He was promoted to sergeant in 1981.

He was known for always making sound decisions and was well respected by his peers and subordinates as he served as an evening shift patrol supervisor. Kelley also served as the K-9-Unit supervisor and was very conscientious about his job. He spent many hours of his off-duty time training, putting on demonstrations, and making sure that the K-9 Unit continued to operate at an extraordinary level. He was instrumental in creating the K-9 Bomb Unit.

Sergeant Kelley found time to teach at the Police Academy. He was described as a positive role model for the younger officers.

Kelley received the Certificate of Congressional Recognition in honor of his designation as the Lubbock Police Department Unsung Hero for 2006.

After retiring, Kelley served as Director of Security-UMC Health System.

Kelley was an active member of Saint Elizabeth’s Catholic Church where he was involved in the Knights of Columbus and served as Parish Council President, and was a Master Mason in the Mackenzie Lodge No. 1327 for over 25 years. He was also an avid dog lover.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mike Kelley.

Kelley is survived by his wife of 31 years, Chris; children, Kandice and husband Irven Weighill; Amanda Kelley of San Antonio, Mary Celeste “Cece” Kelley and her fiancé Justin Robinson of Lubbock; grandchildren, Anna Weighill and Bryce Weighill both from Lubbock; great-grandchild, Witten Weighill; sisters, Kathy and husband Vick Denison of Idalou, Texas, and Patricia Frisbie of Lubbock; five nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews

Visitation will be Friday, February 11, 2022 at 5pm-8pm at Resthaven Funeral Home with a 7pm Rosary.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10am at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 2316 Broadway Street.

The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 5740 19th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79409