Laverne "Eugene" Kelley

Laverne “Eugene” Kelley was born on April 10th, 1959 in Stilwell, OK, the son of James Russell and Margie Louise (Rich) Kelley. He grew up in a household with one brother, Jackie Wayne and two sisters: Lacie, and Pam. Later meeting 13 more sisters: Nancy, Virginia, Hattie, Paula, Margie, Kathy, Rita, Rachel, Lisa, Sherri, Brenda, Glorena, and Beverly. He grew up and attended school at Tahlequah High School. When he had completed his education, he began his working career in carpentry and installing floors at Moore Brothers Floor Covering in Tahlequah. He was the proud father of one son, Daniel, two daughters, Dana and Alexis and two step-sons Jacob, and Christopher.

When he wasn’t working, he was home with his sweetheart, Roxanne. He loved to spend time hunting and fishing and raising gaming cocks in his younger years. He was a hardworking man but he enjoyed the simple things in life, like a cold beer with his friends. There was no better way to relax than to watch an old western, or OU football, softball and the Thunder play basketball. He had a wonderful sense of humor, liked people and never met a stranger. He was quick with his grin and never expected more from life than the view from his own backyard. He had three grandkids, Dylan, Elaina and Christina. He was proud of all their accomplishments and enjoyed attending all their sporting events. He was also blessed with a great granddaughter, Brynlee and awaiting another. For all the things planned for the future, Eugene went to his Eternal Home on February 2nd, 2025 at his home in Tahlequah, OK. He was 65 years old and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, his brother, Jackie, and his sisters, Hattie and Margie and a special person Lila Deason.

Those left to cherish his memory include his companion, Roxanne Sanders of the home and his children, Daniel Kelley of Tahlequah, Jacob Kirk of Purcell, Christopher Kirk and wife Candace of Broken Arrow, Dana Kelley of Muskogee and Alexis Kelley also of Tahlequah. He also leaves his sisters, Nancy Taylor, Virginia Sawney, Paula Fixin, Pam Elk, Kathy Shell, Rita Doublehead, Rachel Barrett, Lisa Leedy, Sherri Deason, Brenda Still, Glorena Russell, and Beverly Wolf. He lives on in his grandchildren, Dylan Elkins, Elaina Kelley and Christina Kirk. He also leaves his great granddaughter, Brynlee Elkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends and loved ones.

Funeral services for Laverne “Eugene” Kelley will be held on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Reverend DJ McCarter officiating. His family will receive guests on Wednesday, the 5th of February at Reed-Culver Funeral Home beginning at 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Park Hill Cemetery in Park Hill, OK.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Kirk, Wesley Garner, Josh Garner, Daniel Pritchett, Tyler Jones, and Chris Haney. Honorary pallbearers for Eugene include Larry Pritchett, Larry Haney, Johnny Garner, Terry Garner, Darrel Campbell, Jimbo Feathers, Larry Hayes, Larry Barbaree, and Randy McCarter.