Lyle Eugene, “Gene” Kelly, age 89, formerly of Newberry Creek Rd, in Mead, OK passed away Monday, February 19, 2018. He was born on August 18, 1928 in Downs, Illinois and attended the Kickapoo school. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army and the United States Navy retiring on July 20, 1971 after 20 years of service as a Chief Aviation Ordnance man. He was a Zoo Curator in Fresno, California and the Animal Curator Manager at Seven Seas Animal Park in Arlington Texas. Gene was the first to successfully breed Koi Fish in the state of Texas in the seventies. His outgoing personality contributed to years of successful salesmanship. He spent decades fishing Lake Texoma, and he was known to donate repaired fishing poles to those in need. Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jimmie Colene (Hammonds) Kelly; son, Brian Kelly and wife, Marci of Joshua, Texas; daughter, Tammy Kelly of Melissa, Texas; grandchildren, Daniel Kelly, Brianna Kelly, Levi Kelly, Ryan Kelly, Chelsea Kelly and Sierra Kelly; great-grandchildren, Abbie Kelly, Emilie Kelly, Shelby Whitehead, Lydia Whitehead and Logan Whitehead; and numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Fannie (Winstead) Kelly and one brother, Earnest Kelly.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday February 24, 2018 at Mead Baptist Church, 321 S. Church St. with Brother Kerrie Groce officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:15 p.m., Friday, March 9, 2018 at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas.
If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Fisher House at www.fisherhouse.org or to St. Jude Hospital at giftfunds.stjude.org/genekelly