Donald Wayne Kelly

Don was born in Georgetown, Kentucky on December 20,1941 to Orville and Loeva Kelly. Growing up, he played little league baseball as a third baseman and a catcher, delivered newspapers for the Lexington Herald Leader and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1959. Don went on to graduate from Eastern Kentucky University in 1965 with a business degree and then completed bank examining school in Wisconsin. He was a National Bank Examiner for the United States Treasury Department for 13 years and then became Vice President of Loan Review and Consumer Financial Services for First Security Bank for 12 years. After retirement, Don did contract bank examining for Professional Banking Services in Louisville for 5 years.

In 1965, Don married Elizabeth Sue Bonta and they went on to have a daughter, Shannon Kelly. In the time that Don was not devoted to his work, you could find him enjoying a Milwaukee’s Best Light at his regular establishment: Big Elm Country Club, Buffalo & Dads, Hattie’s or The Thoroughbred with his friends, golfing, watching Kentucky basketball, playing pool, watching horse racing, enjoying Lake Herrington, or looking for the best deals at garage sales on the weekends. Some of Don’s favorites were fresh Kentucky corn in the summer, Werthers original candies, making breakfast casserole or baked potato soup. He loved being surrounded by his friends and family. Don was witty, smart and deeply cared for his loved ones. In his later years, Don moved down to Florida to be with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. During those 10 years, his family came to know just how special, funny and loving he truly was. Those years will be forever cherished. His family will miss walking into the house every day and seeing him sitting in his recliner with his favorite show, Two and Half Men or a Bonanza playing in the background. He always greeted them with a hello and asked them many questions about how they were, their jobs, or just life in general. They will miss his jokes, funny faces and his love of sweets.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Loeva Kelly. He is survived by his brother, Glenn Kelly (Donna), Daughter; Shannon Kelly Johnson (Jerry); grandchildren, Alex and Ashley Johnson; nieces, Michelle Adams (Mike) and Jessica Finn (Dominick) as well as many great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on June 17th from 5-7pm with a brief memorial service beginning at 5:30 at Shannon’s house. A second memorial service will be held on June 30th in Lexington, Kentucky, the location and time is TBD. Please check back on the website frequently for updates.