R. Keith Kelly, a resident of Lock Haven all his life, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023. Keith was born on January 25, 1934, the eldest son of W. Keith and Emma (Smith) Kelly.
A graduate of Lock Haven High School’s class of 1951, he began his working years as a laborer on a paper machine with New York and Penn, later Hammermill Company, where he worked for ten years. He then moved to the position as manager of the Fallon Hotel for another ten years. However, his true “career” began when he became an agent for the Baltimore Life Insurance Company. He spent many successful years in that position winning Agent of the Year and inclusion in the Millionaire Club, an honor for the highest selling agents. This honor allowed him the opportunity to travel internationally to Acapulco, Caracas, Bermuda, Quebec, and Monte Carlo as well as many national cities. He retired from that position after 24 years of service.
Keith was a member of the Lock Haven Lions Club, the Fraternal Order of Elks, and a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. He also served his community as a school director for 16 years helping make important decisions to improve our schools and supporting the consolidation movement. A life-long learner himself, he was a champion for education.
Keith enjoyed tennis, golf and reading. In his younger years, he was a member of the Lock Haven tennis club and played competitively for many years. He often enjoyed doubles matches with his father. He then transitioned to golf, a sport that gave him much enjoyment well into his 80’s. He traveled to Florida for several winters to enjoy the sport in the colder months. He was an avid reader and promoted that pastime through his license plate LRN2READ. Many will remember seeing him mornings at the local library or in area restaurants drinking his coffee and blissfully immersed in the crime novels of his favorite author, James Lee Burke.
Keith married the former Janice Heverly in 1951. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage. She preceded him in death in 2005. Also preceding him in death were his parents, his younger brother, Gary, and an infant daughter, Patricia Jean. He is survived by his daughters, Leslie Smith and Rachel (Thane) Turner, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the funeral home. Family and friends will be received one hour prior to services. Officiating will be Pastor Susan Champion of the Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church, Mill Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ross Library, 232 W. Main St., Lock Haven, PA 17745 a community asset that served him well for many years.
Online thoughts and memories can be made at http://www.GedonFuneralHomes.com and the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
