Lester "Dutch" Thomas Kelley's Obituary
Lester "Dutch" Thomas Kelley, age 95 of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. He was born on February 14, 1927, in Harmony, MD, son of the late Francis E. "Frank” and Jenny (Marshall) Kelley.
Mr. Kelley was a proud veteran, having honorably served in the US Navy. During his service to country, he built a career working in plant maintenance for the Department of the Navy. He retired as a USN Senior Chief after 20 dedicated years. Following his military service, Mr. Kelley was employed by Sears and Roebuck for an additional 20 years.
Mr. Kelley volunteered for nearly 20 years for the New Life Thrift store in Rehoboth Beach, in management and clerical roles. He also volunteered his expertise at New Bold Square Condominiums in property management. He had many and varied interests and hobbies, Mr. Kelley was skilled at bowl turning and woodworking of all sorts. He enjoyed playing bridge and carving at Rehoboth and Lewes senior centers. Mr. Kelley loved spending time with those he held most dear. He was a wonderful and nurturing husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Loved by many, he will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Kelley was predeceased by his first wife, Ina Mae Kelley; his second wife, Marie Louise Kelley; his brother, Olin "Hot Dog" Kelley; and his sisters, Anna Mae Kelley Rothermel and Doris Wetzel. He is survived by his son, Gary Lynn Kelley (Sally); his grandson, William Thomas Kelley (Paige); his great granddaughter, Harper Lynn Kelley; his niece, Jennie Holmes; his stepsons: Robin Roy (Cathy) and Nikki Roy (Natalie); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 1:00 PM, at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church,19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00AM with a reception immediately following the service.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to view the Celebration of Life via LiveStream, by visiting the church's website at https://epworth.faith/.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Kelley’s name to the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, 302-227-2055 (www.capehenlopenseniorcenter.org).
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