J.W. Kelley

J. W. Kelley, 92, of Norwalk, Ohio went to his eternal home with the Lord on December 28, 2025 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, OH. Born to Laurence and Virginia Kelley in Clarksfield, OH on Feb 18, 1933. He later attended New London High School, where he played football, basketball, ran track, and participated in student government. Upon graduating high school, he served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the service, he worked for Landmark, later opening his own gas station, bulk delivery, and convenience store in 1960 in New London, OH, which he later retired from.

J.W. knew no strangers, striking up a conversation with anyone. A skill that supported his strong belief in community service. He served on the Huron County Parks and Recreation Board, as a Norwalk City Councilman, and a board member on the Huron County Airport Board. He was also a member of Hartland United Methodist Church, involved with the Gibson Masonic Lodge in Wakeman, OH, the American Legion in New London, OH, the New London Alumni Association, and the Lion's Club in Norwalk, OH. While raising his children, Terri Rood, James Kelley, John Kelley, Kathy Ott, and Jeff Kelley, he coached various sports teams, led Boy Scout troops, participated with dance and acrobat recitals, and in other activities through the years. His passion for sports continued throughout his life where he supported local high school athletics and attended races at Sandusky Speedway. Family time brought many trips visiting extended family, time spent outdoors camping and boating, and vacationing regularly on Kelley's Island.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Virginia Kelley, his brother Richard, infant sister Betty, his son James Kelley, his grandson Jason Kelley, his former wife of 20 years Nadine (Everman) Kelley, and his wife of 51 years, Cheri (Palmer) Kelley. He is survived by his children Terri Rood, John (Carmen) Kelley, Kathy (Joe) Ott, Jeff (Jackie) Kelley; his grandchildren, Dustin Kelley, Richard (Bethany) Ott, Kaitlyn (Josh) Craig, Luke (Makilee) Kelley, Mark (Gulten) Kelley, Kirsten (Travis) Cring, Alaina (Matt) Neuberger, Claire (Wyatt) Brown, and Emanuel (Devin) Agache; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main St., Norwalk, Ohio on Monday, January 5, 2025, from 4-7 pm and at Hartland United Methodist Church, 1401 Zenobia Rd, Norwalk, on Tuesday, January 6 from 10 -11 am. A celebration of life service will take place immediately following visitation on Tuesday at 11 am, with his burial at the Clarksfield United Methodist Church. We invite friends and family to attend and share a meal at Hartland United Methodist Church. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Norwalk Lions Club, PO Box 92, Norwalk, OH 44857, in J.W.’s name.