J. Kelley

J. D. was born April 1, 1930, in Childress, TX, and went to be with his creator on January 8, 2009, at the age of 78. He endured a long battle with cancer, and was surrounded by his family at his home in Pleasant Hill, NM, in his final moments. J.D. accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior early in life. He was a long-time devoted member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and served in numerous capacities including deacon, church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and associational positions. He was also very active in the Mesa Redondo Cowboy Camp meetings. He was a member of the Texico Senior Citizens. J. D. spent his life supporting and encouraging youth by being a 4-H leader for many years, as well as an avid supporter of all school activities. He was a loving husband, father, papaw, brother, and friend and will be greatly missed by all. He was adamant in his last days that family members make sure that the great-grandkids be taught and encouraged in the Lord.

J. D. graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1947 and was the sole graduate that year. He always joked that he was the valedictorian, salutatorian, historian of the Class of 1947. He attended Coyne American Institute in Chicago, Illinois after graduation and studied electronics. He returned to Pleasant Hill to begin a career in farming. While farming, he was an active member of Farm Bureau and sold crop insurance. He enjoyed continuing his education throughout the years and received his Associates Degree in Applied Science with a certificate in Alcohol Fuel Production. He was blessed to be able to continue and to enjoy working in his retirement years, both with Alltech, Inc. and Roden Smith. He loved horses and remained active with this love of his life.

J.D. was the eldest son of Homer Drusilla Kelley. He married Bertha Lou Owens on May 24, 1953, in Bovina, TX. Survivors include Bertha, his wife of 55 years, and their four children; Diane Loran and husband, Greg of Lubbock, TX, Dwayne Kelley and wife, Lori of Rowlett, TX, Elaine Cain and husband, Randy of Pleasant Hill, and Beth Thornton and husband, Robert of Pleasant Hill; nine grandchildren, Kyle Cain and wife, Kylee, Shilo Essex and husband, Brian, Keegan Kelley, Kelsi Peabody and husband, Mark, Jacoby Kelley, Michelle Cook and husband, Paul, Toby Thornton and wife, Mindi, Jace Kelley, and Christina Loran; five great-grandchildren Broxyn and Aynzli Thornton, Daltyn Cain, Cole and Ethan Essex; one brother, Glenn Kelley and wife, Kay; one sister, Irma Jo Englant; and several nieces and nephews. Also left behind were dear friends and acquaintances. BRBR

Services will be held Monday, January 12, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, officiated by Bro. Jim Peabody, and followed by burial at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plains Regional Medical Center-Clovis Hospice, 2217 Dillon Street, Clovis, NM 88101 or the New Mexico Baptist Childrens Home, Box 629, Portales, NM 88130.
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Service

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
291 State Rd 77
Pleasant Hill, NM  88135
Monday, January 12, 2009
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens
1601 E. Llano Estacado
Clovis, NM  88101

Memorial Contributions

Plains Regional Medical Center Hospice
2217 Dillon
Clovis, NM  88101

Baptist Childrens HomeP
P. O. Box 629
Portales, NM  88130