Darwin Bryant Kelley

Darwin Bryant Kelley passed away March 10,2024 at home.  

Darwin was born Sept. 28, 1937 to Brady B and Lois Clark Kelley. He was a life long resident of Gholson Tx, born and raised on the Brazos River. He attended West High School. In 1955 he joined the US Navy where he served on the USS Iowa. Darwin had the distinct honor of earning both a Bluenose and Shellback cards having crossed the Artic Circle, the Equator, and the International Dateline. In 1961 he married his wife of 62 years Mary Evelyn Mears Kelley. They worked together for KD Manitou for over 30 years where Darwin was a tool dye machinist. After retiring in 2000 Darwin and Mary enjoyed traveling across the country and airboating on the Brazos River. Darwin was a 60 year service member and Past Master of West Masonic Lodge #475. 

He is preceded in death by his parents BB and Lois Clark Kelley, and brother Hillard Kelley. 

He is survived by his wife Mary Kelley of Gholson Tx; children, Darren D. Kelley of Gholson Tx, John B. Kelley and wife, Danielle of Joliet Illinois, Kelly Eason and husband, Patrick of Silsbee Tx, Richard B. Kelley and wife, Jessica of Gholson Tx; grandchildren Lainey Eason, John Eason. Isabella Eason, Abbygail Harris, Brady Kelley; and great grandson, Tanner Dyer.