Born on August 29, 1942, in Frederick, John was the son of the late Iris Virgil Kelly and Evonne Parker Kelly. He was raised in Martha, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Martha High School in 1960. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University and graduated in January 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. A Distinguished Military Graduate, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he had a long and decorated career. He held numerous leadership and command positions throughout the world, including multiple tours in Vietnam and Germany. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College.

His military education and specialized training included the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army War College, Fixed Wing Aviator Course, Rotary Wing Qualification, OV-1 Qualification and Instructor Pilot Course, TACFIRE Fire Support Course, and the Inspector General Course.

Among his many assignments, Colonel Kelly served with:

• 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery and 2nd Battalion, 36th FA at Fort Sill

• 131st and 122nd Aviation Companies in Vietnam and Germany

• 3rd Battalion, 34th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA

• 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY

• 1st Battalion, 75th Field Artillery in Bamberg, Germany

• VII Corps Artillery in Augsburg, Germany

• Combined Arms Services Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, KS

• FORSCOM Inspector General’s Office at Fort McPherson, GA, where he served as Acting Inspector General Colonel Kelly retired in September 1991, having earned numerous military honors and awards, including:

• Legion of Merit

• Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters

• Air Medal with 43 devices

• Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters

• Parachutist Badge

• Air Assault Badge

• Senior Army Aviator Badge John was previously married to Vicki Portman, and together they had two children, Kristi and Nik. On September 10, 1978, he married Mary Ann Melugin in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 2004, John and Mary Ann moved to Lake Texoma, where he enjoyed his retirement surrounded by nature and family.

John was a member of the American Legion, the OV-1 Mohawk Association, and a devoted member of the Madill Church of Christ. He loved fishing, water and snow skiing, and cheering on Oklahoma State University sports.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Kelly, of Lake Texoma; brothers, Gary Kelly and wife Louise, Cody, WY and Don Kelly and wife Marsha, Norman; children, Kristi Lenell Wade and husband David, of Lake Texoma, Elayna Meshelle Kelly-Duncan and husband Tim, of Dickson; grandchildren, John Thomas Wade and Misha Cullum, Justin, TX, Kelly Lenell Wade and Timothy Gowans, Lewisville, TX, Corbyn Nikole McDaniel and husband Casey, San Diego, CA, John Nikolas Kelly Jr., Dickson, Kolton Lane Duncan and Beatrice Valles, Broken Bow, NE; great-grandchildren, John Parker Wade, Austin Wyatt Phelps and Bailey Ann Phelps.

He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many honorary great-grandchildren including Morgan Butler, Haley Brown, Trent Barrett, all of Justin, TX, and Krista Hayes, Memphis, TN.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John “Nik” Kelly; his brother, Lee Kelly; and his father-in-law, Daddy Bob Melugin.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Madill Church of Christ. Officiants included Todd McRay, Francis Nelson, Richard Bonnett, and Don Hasselman. Song leading was led by Richard Bonnett. Music was provided by the a cappella recording A Cappella Sunset by The Legacy Singers.

Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent at wattsfuneralhome.com.

Honorary bearers were: David Wade, Tim Duncan, John Thomas Wade, John Nikolas Kelly Jr., John Parker Wade, Kolton Lane Duncan, Gary Lee Kelly, Weston Kelly, and John Nikolas Kelly (posthumously) Memorials may be made to Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp or a charity of your choice.

The family appreciates your presence in the honoring of our beloved John.