Charles M. Kelly

Charles Moreland Kelly, 88, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2017. He was born November 28, 1928 to Warren C. Kelly and Susie Belle (Decker) Kelly in Farwell, Texas. Charles graduated from Central High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma. During these formative years, Charles found joy in helping his father deliver farm equipment all across the country, which began his love of traveling. He then went to Abilene Christian College and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1951. While at ACC, Charles was a cheerleader for the Wildcats, and during his school years he ran a chicken farm in Abilene, Texas to save money for the engagement ring of his future wife. He married the love of his life, Joye Belle Deavenport, on December 25, 1950 on the family farm in Silverton, Texas. Charles and Joye shared 66 years of a happy life and marriage together. In 1951, Charles and Joye moved to Muskogee where he taught school for one year at Muskogee Central High School. Shortly after, Charles became the owner of Kelly Office Supply. While his store was open it was the biggest office supply store in Oklahoma. He retired in 1980 and continued working at his company, Kelly Co. Engraving, until he was 85 years old. Charles was a member of Hilldale School Board for 12 years, a founder of Burnt Cabin Youth Camp, and a member of Civitan. He was also a member and the primary song leader at the West Side Church of Christ in Muskogee, Oklahoma for 65 years. Charles enjoyed going to the beach, playing golf, working puzzles, and driving his 1939 Dodge Truck. He was an avid gardener and plowed, planted, and sowed five acres of land for the majority of his life. He and Joye loved sharing their abundance of fresh produce with everyone at church; he would park his truck and open the tailgate to let anyone take what they wanted. Charles loved taking care of his family and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Susie Kelly; brother, Hollis Kelly; and sister, Myrt (Kelly) Davidson. He is survived by his wife, Joye Kelly of Muskogee, OK; their children, Karlease Kelly of Ranson, WV, Kim Smith and husband Leland of Muskogee, OK, Kathy Schaffner and husband Dr. Randall Schaffner of Vernon, TX, and Keith Kelly and wife Michelle of Tulsa, OK; 10 grandchildren, Kelly Duck and husband Jim, Lee Smith and wife Traci, Kyndle Smith and Chelsea, Austin Schaffner, Audrey Schaffner, Alec Schaffner and wife Courtney, Madison Kelly, Connor Kelly and fiancé Rustyn, Brooklyn Kelly and Logan Kelly; 5 great-grandchildren, Kadence Duck, Joshua Duck, Kaylee Smith, Karson Smith and Leannah Smith; he is also survived by brother Jim Kelly and wife Elaine of Norman, OK, brother-in-law Bob Davidson of College Station, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials and donations in memory of Charles Kelly be made to the Burnt Cabin Youth Camp in care of West Side Church of Christ at: 2434 West Okmulgee St., Muskogee, OK, 74401. A celebration of Charles’ life will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 7, 2017 at West Side Church of Christ with Rev. Don Readhimer, Bro. Bob Davidson, Jim Kelly and Keith Kelly officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Lee Smith, Kyndle Smith, Austin Schaffner, Alec Schaffner, Connor Kelly, and Logan Kelly serving as pallbearers.

Charles M. Kelly

November 28, 1928 - August 2, 2017