Pat Kelley

Patrick James Kelley, 87, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, surrounded by the love of his family. Above all, Patrick loved the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his personal Savior many years ago. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful servant who dedicated his life to his family, his church, and his community. His life was  marked by unwavering faith, integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Born on February 9, 1939, in Louisville, Kentucky, Patrick was the son of Martin Andrew Kelley and Helen (Porter) Francis. On December 27, 1958, Patrick married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Kay Stark, in Seymour, Indiana. Together they shared 67 years of marriage, building a Christ-centered home and a lifetime of cherished memories .Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Kay (Stark) Kelley; his children, Mike (Darla) Kelley, Karen (Bruce) Werskey, and John (Pam) Kelley; his eight grandchildren, Brittney Mang, Bryce (Leah) Werskey, Brooke (Jonah) Persinger, Justin (Lindi) Kelley, Jessica (Zach) Keim, Whitney (Scott) Baker, Regan (Seth) Berry, and Andrew Harrison; and his twelve treasured great-grandchildren: Leighton, Everleigh, August, and Hayes Werskey; Mia Persinger; Everett Kelley; Rowyn and Opal Keim; Stella and Max Baker; and Carter and August Berry. He is also survived by his siblings, David (Linda) Francis, Margie (John) Emily, and Steve (Vickie) Francis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Andrew Kelley and Helen (Porter)Francis, and his sister, Molly Lauster. Patrick was an exceptional athlete whose accomplishments on the football field brought honor to Seymour and the State of Indiana. As an All-American football player at Seymour High School, he was selected to play for the National High School All-Americans in the inaugural 1958 Big 33 Football Classic in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he competed against Pennsylvania's finest high school players. His outstanding talent earned him an incredible 77 football scholarship offers from colleges and universities across the nation, including full scholarships to the University of Nebraska, Purdue University, the University of Louisville, the University of Idaho, and Indiana Central University. His athletic achievements were later recognized with his induction into the Seymour High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Following high school, Patrick proudly served his country in the Indiana National Guard. He then dedicated over 30 years of service to Cummins Engine Company before fulfilling his entrepreneurial dream of owning and operating his own HVAC business.

Throughout his military service and professional career, he was respected for his strong work ethic, honesty, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Patrick's passion for sports never faded. He devoted many years to coaching Little League baseball and elementary and middle school football, mentoring young athletes and teaching lessons that reached far beyond the playing field. His commitment to the Seymour community also included 16 years of service on the Seymour School Board, where he worked to improve educational opportunities for local students.

A charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, Patrick faithfully served as a deacon and was deeply committed to his church family. His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He lived his beliefs through humble service, compassion, generosity, and love for others. Those who knew Patrick witnessed a man whose actions reflected his faith each day. His family finds peace in knowing that he knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and now rests in His eternal presence.

Patrick will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful friend, respected coach, community leader, veteran, and man of integrity. His strength, servant's heart, and steadfast faith touched countless lives. More than any accomplishment, he treasured his family and considered them God's greatest blessing.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, his legacy of faith, love, leadership, and service will continue to live on through all who knew him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

The family will receive friends on Thursday July 9, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will resume of Friday July 10, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church with funeral services beginning at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery.

The family requests memorial donations be directed to the creation of the Pat Kelley Scholarship Fund.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.