John Cecil O'Kelley

John Cecil O’Kelley, 89, of Rudy, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in Fort Smith. He was born May 17, 1933 in Mountainburg to the late Albert and Julia (Bowen) O’Kelley. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, and was a retired carpenter and craftsman. He served as an officer in the Army National Guard, a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he was a deacon, and a 32nd Degree Mason with the Van Buren Lodge #6.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June.

He is survived by a daughter, Ferba O’Kelley of Tulsa; four sons, Randy O’Kelley and wife Pam of Fort Smith, Bing O’Kelley and wife Shelley of Bixby, Lucky O’Kelley and wife Dani of Fort Smith, and Wilson O’Kelley and wife Michelle of Rudy; a sister, Mary Montoya of Albuquerque; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family-hosted memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Buren Masonic Lodge #6 at 18 Fayetteville Street, Van Buren, 72956.