Roger W. Kelly

Roger W. Kelly, 81, of Indianapolis, passed away at Greenwood Meadows on August 11, 2021. Roger was born on May 10, 1940 in Shumway, Illinois to the late Rolla and Edna (Kirchhofer) Kelly.

Roger graduated in the class of 1958 from Beecher City High School. In 1963 he moved to Indianapolis with his wife at the time, Barbara Kelly while working for the Illinois Central Railroad. He then went on to work for Chrysler for a number of years before working as a machinist at Allison Transmission. Roger retired from Allison Transmission after 25 years of service.

A believer in God’s grace and faith, Roger was a dedicated member of Bethany Lutheran Church where he was active in many activities and volunteering. If he wasn’t at church or working, Roger was walking his favorite dog, Bart or playing euchre with friends. Roger was an avid supporter of the Indiana University basketball team and Cincinnati Reds. He had many fond memories of casting a line in Port Orange, Florida with his late son, Kent; their many fishing trips were treasured by Roger. He also relished in taking a ride on his Harley or taking his 1969 Camaro pace car to local car shows. Roger will be greatly missed by all of his loved ones.

Along with his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his son, Kent Kelly and his brother, Terry Kelly.

Survivors include his daughter, Kristie (Thomas) Clark; his brother, Rayman Kelly; the mother of his children and former spouse, Barbara (Francis) Kelly; his grandchildren, Austin (Stephanie) Clark, Brandon Clark, and Christopher Holt; very special friend, Ruth Ann Ross; niece and nephew; Ron (Lora) Kelly and Dee (Mark) Newton; and a host of friends and extended family members.

Roger’s Visitation will be on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in Bethany Lutheran Church, 4702 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The funeral service will begin in the church at the conclusion of visitation at 11:00 AM. Roger will be laid to rest on Monday, August 23, 2021 in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Shumway, Illinois next to his brother and parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice; envelopes will be provided during the visitation. Final care and funeral arrangements are entrusted to the O’Riley Funeral Home, Indianapolis, Indiana. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence for Roger’s family.