Vernon Kelley

Vernon Dean Kelley, 81, of Hamilton, Indiana, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Vern lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Born on October 29, 1943, in Spencerville, Indiana, Vern was the son of Ernest M. and Eunice A. (Hill) Kelley. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army before embarking on a long and dedicated career at BFGoodrich, where he worked as a supervisor for 36 years until his retirement in 1998. His work ethic and drive led him to further entrepreneurial ventures, including co-owning and managing storage units for 35 years with his wife Rosie, running his own surplus store in Ashley, Indiana, and later opening a golf cart sales and service shop in Hamilton. He had a passion for buying and selling surplus merchandise, finding joy in the connections he made through his businesses.

Vernon was an avid golfer and always enjoyed golfing in Indiana and at Six Lakes Country Club in North Fort Myers with his wife, Rosie, and countless friends. 

On July 6, 1992, Vern married Rosie S. Clemens, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, friendship, and cherished memories. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Rosie Kelley of Hamilton; his daughter, Shannon R. Kelley (Leslie Ward) of Portland, Oregon; stepchildren Angie (Gary) Johnson of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Chris (Natalie) Forbing of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren, Jessica Vazquez, Cassidy Forbing, Jada Johnson, Logan Forbing, and Austin Forbing; and four great-grandchildren, Lilianna, Ellyson, Leighton, and Emyron Vazquez. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Kallsen of Edgerton, Ohio.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, his son Todd R. Kelley, his brothers Larry Kelley and Terry Kelley, and his nephew T.J. Kelley.

A celebration of Vern’s life will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 1 - 4 p.m. at Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, 1600 Wayne St., Auburn, IN 46706. 

His family invites those who knew and loved him to share their condolences and memories at www.fellerandclark.com.

Vern’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Clildrens Resarch Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.