John R. Kelley, 89, was welcomed into eternity with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 5, 2026 following his peaceful passing at The Willows at Willard.
He was born in Athens County, Ohio on September 9, 1936 to the late Richard E. and Lena Opal (Robinson) Kelley. John was also blessed by the love shown by his stepmom, Thelma E. Von Seggern, who also played a vital role in his upbringing.
John was a 1954 graduate of Lakeside High School and shortly thereafter enlisted to serve in the Army. Following his honorable discharge, John came to Bucyrus and began working at Columbia Gas. He maintained a 42-year career with the company, retiring as a Service Supervisor. He also owned and operated Kelley Heating, servicing heating equipment needs of area residents for many years.
On September 13, 1958 John married Mary Jane Click, sharing nearly 67 years of marriage prior to her passing on August 21, 2025. Just recently, he was asked about how to maintain a successful relationship and he easily answered, “The Lord, love and a lot of both.” John and Mary Jane became active at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church in 1964, and it was at this time when he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. A relationship that only grew stronger throughout his life. He served the Lord in many ways, including his involvement of visiting shut-ins, jail ministry, Sunday school teacher and SS Superintendent as well as a church board member. God used John to touch many loves and John was thankful for the many wonderful relationships formed.
John will be remembered as a selfless servant with a kind soul. He lit up at the sight of family and simply loved the life God granted. Their family enjoyed many camping trips and John and Mary Jane did their best to travel as the grandchildren were active with their activities. He was a problem solver and very rarely shied away from a repair project. He was also a civic minded individual who was formerly active in the Bucyrus Kiwanis Club. John rarely sat still but when he did, it was most likely because he was watching and rooting for his Indians, Browns or Buckeyes.
John’s beloved family include his children, the late Renee Foraker and her husband Stan, Denise Kelley, Steve (Linda) Kelley, and Erin (Dan) Slayton; 12 grandchildren, David Foraker, Julie (Nick) Perry, Matthew (Renee) Foraker, Sarah (Shawn) Campbell, Randall Kelley, Rachel (Matthew) Miracle, Esther Kelley-Murphy (Mark), Kim (Tim) Schreck, Kristen (Jon) Blum, Alison Kay Slayton, Elizabeth Renee Slayton, and Olivia Jane Slayton; 15 great grandchildren, Michael, Maya, Alyssa, Beckham, Brinley, Harlow, McKenna, Finnegan, Lily, Zoey, Alice, Robert, Andrew, Karsten, and Annika; siblings, Sue Kelley, Wes Kelley (late wife, Karen), David (Pam) Kelley and Tom Kelley.
The Kelley family will receive friends on Friday, January 9 from 5-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. His funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:30 am in the Bucyrus Nazarene Church with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery where military rites will be provided by both the US Army Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the entire staff at The Willows for the excellent care given to dad and the family during his stay.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Bucyrus Nazarene Church for missions and can be given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of John’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.
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