Obituary for Ernest Kelly

Ernest E Kelly Jr, 90, passed away Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 at Ponca City Medical Center. He was the son of Ernest E Kelly Sr. and Frances Buchanan Kelly of Haileyville, OK. Born in Ardmore on October 16, 1924, his family later moved to Haileyville where he graduated high school in 1941.

Ernest served in the Navy during WWII, participating in D Day. He later served in the Army during the Korean War. He made Ponca City his home and married Marie Garner Kelly on December 13, 1952.

He worked in the accounting department at Continental Oil Company and in 1974 obtained his Realtors license. He founded Kelly Enterprises, owned several real estate properties, and was a practicing tax accountant until his death.

Ernest loved fishing, being an entrepreneur, visiting with friends and family, and life. He loved to tease, and had nick names for "his girls"–his wife and daughters. He loved America and Barry Goldwater. He was an avid collector of most everything, and he loved to read. He saw no reason to retire, and loved making plans for the future, including returning to Ireland, which he loved.

Ernest was active in many areas. He was a member of First Christian Church, where he served as deacon, scout master, and Sunday School teacher. He was the past Commander of the American Legion; a lifetime member of the VFW; a 65 year member of the Masonic Lodge; a member of Eastern Star; and the Moose.

Ernest is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marie "Meatball" Kelly; two daughters, Kim "Hambone" Kelly Boone and husband Calvin, of Hayden, AL; and Kit "Potlicker" Kelly Burdick and husband Carl, of Oklahoma City; three grandsons: Dustin Burdick of Denver CO; Andrew Hunter and wife Elizabeth, of Fultondale AL, and Mark Hunter, USMC, 29 Palms, CA; one great granddaughter, Sophie Hunter, of Fultondale, AL, and many in laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sue McCarty; his daughter, Sharon Kay "Kayro" Kelly; grandson Lucas Burdick, and granddaughter Hannah Kay Hunter.

Visitation will be Friday, May 22 from 6-8pm at Trout Funeral Home with funeral services 10am Saturday, May 23 at First Christian Church. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester immediately following. Pallbearers are his son-in-laws, grandsons and Carl Shepphard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Opportunity Center in Ponca City.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of CCU at Ponca City Medical Center, Dr. Moran, and especially Dr. Baugher for loving and taking care of us and Ernest. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we leave you with Ernest’s words…keep smiling….

Source: Trout Funeral Home