Marion Jack Kelley
Age 75, a resident of Stilwell, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, February 16, 2024 in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He was born May 31, 1948 in Parkdale, Arkansas, the son of Johnnie C. and Sonya P. (Cooper) Kelley and was raised in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Preceded in death by his father Johnnie C. Kelley, his mother Sonya Pearline Cooper Sill, his stepmother Ruby Mae Kelley, his uncle Marion Herschel "Sonny" Cooper, his brother Johnny Kelley, his sister Joan Kelley Phillips and another brother, Mitchell Day and a niece Lisa Kay Stills.
Survivors are his daughter Maryann Jacqueline Baldwin and son-in-law Mark Baldwin, his grandchildren: Mitchell, Tiffany, David, Brooke, Jakki and Douglas along with 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Dwayne Kelley, Michelle Kelley Ashley, Laurie Dunham, Cherie Boyd, Jessica Day Shelby, Jennifer Day Boyle, Andrea Day, Jason Day, Cortin Day, and an abundance of great nieces and nephews. His brother Cecil Day, his sister in-law Mary Lou Kelley, and his brother in-law Gary Phillips.
Jack grew up in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. He was very close to his uncle Sonny and was proud to follow in his footsteps and became a professional truck driver at a very young age. He was proud of being a truck driver and enjoyed it until his early sixties then he settled and retired. He also was very proud that during his time as truck driver, his OWN nephew, Dwayne also followed in his footsteps and became a trucker as well. That was something he held near and dear to his heart and called it a family tradition.
He enjoyed the simple things in life. He liked to collect guns, loved music, westerns, old tv shows and of course, cars. He loved talking about politics. But mostly enjoyed just sitting and talking with family. He loved to reminisce about the “good ol’ days” and would tell stories about when he was a teenager and other things that would make you laugh so hard you’d be crying. And he might repeat those stories, but he had a way of telling them where they sounded fresh and new like you’d never heard them before and have you laughing all over again. And if he had made you laugh, that was an accomplishment to him.
He was such a loving son, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He was proud of his family. He always wanted to know they were okay and wanted them knowing how much he loved them.
The best way to describe him was as a wholesome, loving and genuine human being. To know him was to love him and if you knew him, you were very blessed. He will always be remembered as a man who would tell you that God and family is the most important thing in life and to always hold them close to your heart because, “We’re only passing through this old world for a short time. Don’t take a single day for granted because we’re not promised tomorrow.”. Those were important words he lived by and encouraged others to do the same.
We take comfort in knowing you are not in pain anymore, physically or emotionally and you are having such an amazing family reunion in Heaven. So, we are not saying goodbye, we are just saying, until we meet again, you will always be in our hearts and we know you’re watching over us. So visit with the family you’ve been missing for so long in Heaven that you're now with. Make them laugh like you did us. We have the memories of you to keep us smiling and to comfort us when we need it most. Be at peace knowing that even though we miss you, we will be okay. We love you…