Rex Lee Kelley

Rex Lee Kelley, age 95, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on May 29, 2026. He was born on August 17, 1930, in Bowlegs, Oklahoma, to Edgar Cecil Kelley and Dora Mary Kelley. Rex lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, service, and unwavering devotion to his family. Rex's early years taught him resilience. His father passed away when Rex was just sixteen years old, leaving him to help shoulder responsibilities at a young age. At only seventeen years old, determined to serve his country, Rex enlisted in the United States Navy. He was too young to enlist on his own, so a Navy recruiter personally drove him to obtain his mother's signature - granting him permission to enlist. He proudly served as a Seabee during the Korean War from 1947 to 1951. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal. After returning from military service, Rex met the love of his life, Margaret. They married on November 21, 1951, and built a beautiful life together that spanned 65 years of marriage. They purchased their first home in Oklahoma City and remained devoted partners through every season of life. When Margaret developed dementia, Rex lovingly cared for her with remarkable patience and dedication. Even after her passing, his love for her never faded. He often spoke of how much he missed her and looked forward to the day they would be reunited in Heaven. Rex was known as a hardworking man who never shied away from honest labor. He began working on the family farm before joining Phillips Oil Company. Later, he worked as a milkman, a job he often joked about because he grew tired of being chased by dogs. Seeking new opportunities, he joined McCullough Tool Company, where he had to be away from family while working on oil rigs. Though he enjoyed the work, he missed his family. Eventually, he returned closer to home, working for the Gene Brown Company where he built and maintained APCO gas stations for more than twenty years. Always striving to provide for his family, Rex later accepted a position with Organon Teknika as a Maintenance Supervisor. There, he maintained dialysis equipment and earned the admiration of coworkers throughout his seventeen-year career. Upon his retirement, the company honored him with a beautiful gold watch—a fitting tribute to a man whose character, dedication, and reliability never wavered. Rex enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved playing softball, cards, washers, and horseshoes. He enjoyed grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, spending time at the lake, swimming, fishing, attending church, and gathering with family and friends. To everyone who knew him, he was a man of quiet strength, kindness, and integrity. He was fiercely loyal, deeply compassionate, and devoted to his family above all else. He embodied what it meant to be a loving son, brother, husband, "Daddy", Papa and friend. Rex was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Kelley; his parents, Edgar Cecil Kelley and Dora Mary Kelley; his brothers, Glen Kelley, Homer Kelley, and Vernon Kelley; and his sister, Betty. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Kelley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his son, Steve Kelley and wife Phyllis Kelley of Arapaho, Oklahoma; grandchildren Greg Kelley and wife Jeanette Kelley of Blanchard, Oklahoma; Krista Kelley of The Colony, Texas; Chris Holik and wife Ki Holik of Mustang, Oklahoma; and Kelley Ice of Moore, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Alexia Barker and partner, Taybor Barnett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Logan Kelley, Olivia Kelley, Clara Kelley, and Calvin Kelley, all of Blanchard, Oklahoma; Lauren Scott of Moore, Oklahoma; and Cooper Holik of Mustang, Oklahoma; along with his great-great-grandson, Maverick Barnett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; as well as his Australian Shepherd dog, Ozzy; and countless other relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by his presence. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am June 5, 2026 at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Newcastle, OK, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka, Oklahoma at 1:30pm. The family will receive guests Thursday evening June 4, 2026 from 5-7pm at Wilson-Little Tri-City (3132 Tri City Drive Newcastle, OK) In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to: Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW National Headquarters 406 West 34th Street Kansas City, MO 64111

Rex Lee Kelley

August 17, 1930 - May 29, 2026