Lewisburg-John Edward Kelly, 79, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at Lewis-Gale Hospital – Montgomery, Blacksburg, VA, after a brief illness.
Born Nov. 1, 1943, to the late Cela L. Kelly and Imma V. Bryant, he grew up in Greenbrier County.
After graduating high school, he joined the United States Army and proudly served tours in Germany and Vietnam. He was a decorated Army Veteran, receiving a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Marksman, two Overseas Service Bars and a Bronze Service Star.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta F. Kelly.
Survivors include his sons, Joe Kelly of New Gloucester, ME, and Christopher (Tina) Kelly of Dittelbrunn, Germany; daughters, Denise Endres of Lewisburg and Stephanie (Oliver) Kelly of Werneck, Germany; brothers, Calvin Kelly and Robert Sams, both of White Sulphur Springs and Jesse Sams, Jr. of Ronceverte; sisters, Elizabeth Feury of Lynchburg, VA, and Linda Napier of Leesville, LA; grandchildren, Steffen Endres, Markus Endres, Linus Kelly, Rachel Kelly, Kathleen Kelly, Zoe Kelly, Olivia Kelly and Talisha Franklin all of Germany and Lena Endres of Lewisburg. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who adored him but none more than Angie Napier of Crestview, FL, Rhonda Napier of Gardner, LA, and Tony Napier of Wichita Falls, TX.
Funeral service will be at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Morgan Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be on Saturday one hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow the service at the Roach Cemetery, Lewisburg.
Online guestbook can be signed at www.morganfh.net. Arrangements by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.