Harry T. Kelley

Harry T. Kelley, Jr., of Battlefield, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was born Monday, Feb. 7, 1949 in Brainerd, Minn. to Harry, Sr. and Audrey (Jones) Kelley. Harry was the oldest of three boys in the home.
He graduated from high school and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He honorably served four years, including a tour in the Vietnam War. He was very proud of the time he served and that he was able to serve his country. This continued even after he returned from active duty. He was an active member at the VFW 2404 (often calling BINGO numbers), the American Legion in Springfield, the Disabled Veterans and he was also a member of the Cooties. And for the past eight years he was a member, and Vice Commander, of the Veterans Service Organization, providing military honors to his fallen brothers and sisters at their funeral services.
Kelley was blessed with two children, Shannon and Rebecca. On June 25, 2011 he married Diane Haugh. They loved to travel together, especially to Alaska and New Orleans. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Republic and was currently on their security team.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Theron.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; daughters Shannon and Rebecca; six grandchildren; sister-in-law Margie LaBorde and her husband Ricky, and their children, Brooklyn Kennedy and her husband Philip, Hana Wilson and her  husband Hunter and Lara Martin and her husband Kyle, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 in the chapel at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic, with Pastor Lee Miller officiating. Burial, with full military honors will take place privately, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Honor Flight of the Ozarks (www.honorflightoftheozarks.com). Please reference Kelley’s name when making the donation.