J.W. Kelley Obituary

J.W. Kelley

Feb 18, 1933 - Dec 28, 2025

Norwalk

J. W. Kelley, 92, of Norwalk, went to his eternal home with the Lord Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. Born to Laurence and Virginia Kelley in Clarksfield, February 18, 1933. He later attended New London High School, where he played football, basketball, ran track, and participated in student government. Upon graduating from high school, he served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the service, he worked for Landmark, later opening his own gas station, bulk delivery, and convenience store in 1960 in New London, which he later retired from.

J.W. knew no strangers, striking up a conversation with anyone. A skill that supported his strong belief in community service. He served on Huron County Parks and Recreation Board, as a Norwalk City Councilman, and as a board member on Huron County Airport Board. He was also a member of Hartland United Methodist Church, involved with Gibson Masonic Lodge in Wakeman,American Legion in New London, New London Alumni Association, and Lions Club in Norwalk. While raising his children, Terri Rood, James Kelley, John Kelley, Kathy Ott, and Jeff Kelley, he coached various sports teams, led Boy Scout troops, participated in dance and acrobat recitals, and engaged in other activities through the years. His passion for sports continued throughout his life, where he supported local high school athletics and attended races at Sandusky Speedway. Family time included many trips to visit extended family, time spent camping and boating, and regular vacationing on Kelley's Island.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Virginia Kelley; his brother, Richard; his infant sister, Betty; his son, James Kelley; his grandson, Jason Kelley; his former wife of 20 years, Nadine (Everman) Kelley; and his wife of 51 years, Cheri (Palmer) Kelley.

He is survived by his children, Terri Rood, John (Carmen) Kelley, Kathy (Joe) Ott, and Jeff (Jackie) Kelley; his grandchildren, Dustin Kelley, Richard (Bethany) Ott, Kaitlyn (Josh) Craig, Luke (Makilee) Kelley, Mark (Gulten) Kelley, Kirsten (Travis) Cring, Alaina (Matt) Neuberger, Claire (Wyatt) Brown, and Emanuel (Devin) Agache; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2026, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main St., Norwalk, and from 10-11 a.m Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Hartland United Methodist Church, 1401 Zenobia Rd, Norwalk. A celebration of life service will take place immediately following Tuesday's visitation, with burial at Clarksfield United Methodist Church. We invite friends and family to attend and share a meal at Hartland United Methodist Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Norwalk Lions Club, PO Box 92, Norwalk, OH 44857, in J.W.'s name.