Ned Lynn Kelsey

Ned Lynn Kelsey, aged 95, passed away peacefully August 3, 2024 at his home in Paola, Kansas surrounded by his family.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church will host a Rosary Friday, August 9, 2024 at 6:30 pm followed by visitation from 7:00-8:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity on August 10 at 10:00am. The church will provide lunch at noon and Ned’s burial will follow at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas.

Ned was born on November 16,1928 in Greeley, Kansas and grew up on a farm there with his parents and five siblings. After graduating from Greeley High School, Ned served in the Air Force in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska for three years. When he returned, he worked in the Oklahoma oil fields. In 1950, Ned married Theresa Marie Mersman. Together they raised six children, moving frequently as he moved up the rank in the oil drilling business. He shared his love of sports playing baseball with his kids after a long day at work.

In 1966 the Kelseys moved to Paola, Kansas. Ned was head of maintenance at Lakemary Center. He enjoyed friendships and life-experiences with the kids with disabilities. After getting a degree in refrigeration and appliance repair Ned enjoyed his own appliance repair business after retirement from Lakemary. Nearly everyone in Paola and the surrounding communities know of his excellent and friendly service. Ned still remembered peoples names, homes and appliances as he ran into them around town. He was known to take repair calls as far away as Louisiana, Arizona and California. It wasn’t uncommon for one of his kids to hold the phone in the freezer and say,” Dad, it’s making this noise.” He would diagnose the problem, order the part and tell them how to proceed with the repair.

Later, Ned and Theresa returned to their country roots with a home at Sugar Valley Lake. It was a thrill teaching the grandkids about nature and wildlife and many of their grandchildren caught their first fish from the dock there and enjoyed "building stuff" with Grandpa in his workshop.

After returning to Paola, Ned worked at Walmart putting grills and bicycles together for Santa. He also enjoyed having the kids get photos while he wore an Easter bunny suit.

Ned was a member of the Knights of Columbus lending his support to Holy Trinity church and school events. He dressed as a clown and sold candy to benefit children with disabilities, acted as a Bingo caller, and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members. Well known for his kindness, love of kids and lending a hand to anyone in need, he even performed CPR once saving a stranger’s life on the street.

Many hours outdoors were spent by Ned and Theresa in the flower gardens surrounding their tidy home. Neighbors commented how they loved watching them working together and holding hands. After Theresa died, Ned continued to enjoy sharing stories and helping his neighbors. The family card games won’t be the same without Ned either. Laughing to the point of tears and snorting was commonplace. Ned’s quick wit, sense of humor and sharp mind served him to the end. During his last days, he was asked if there was anyone he cared to visit with. He said,”No, but you can text everyone and tell them I love them and thanks for everything. Not necessarily just family.” This kind, gentle man was sweet to the end. He will be dearly missed.

Ned was preceded in death by his parents Bryan and Vona Kelsey, his wife of over 70 years, Theresa Kelsey, siblings Glenn Kelsey, Thomas Kelsey, and Ralph Kelsey, daughter-in-law Patty Kelsey, and grandson Ben Kelsey. Ned is survived by his six children Lynn Leishman, Dave Kelsey, Ronda Chance, Mike Kelsey, John Kelsey and Chris Kelsey and his 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or Lakemary Center.

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