Marvin Dean Kelley

Marvin Dean Kelley, 67, of Lebo, passed away June 11, 2026, as a result of a vehicle accident east of Emporia.

He was born November 8, 1958, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Jerry G. and Irene M. (Blankley) Kelley. He grew up in Hartford and attended Hartford High School. His family moved to Ball Louisiana where he finished school at Tioga High School, graduating with the Class of 1977.Following high school, Marvin returned to Neosho Rapids, where he worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. In 1983, Marvin began working at Slead Farms south of Lebo. He spent twelve years there until taking a position as a heavy equipment mechanic for the APAC Emporia location. In 2010 he went out on his own working as a self-employed mechanic and with Andy Love building fences and maintaining the equipment. Marvin retired in the fall of 2020, although he never really retired. He was always open to helping whoever needed it.

Marvin enjoyed his family and being outdoors. His favorite hobbies included fishing, hunting, trapping and anything else that got him outside among nature and the wild things.

Marvin is going to live on in the hearts and cherished memories of his wife, Tammy (O'Mara) married February 11, 1984 of their home near Lebo; daughters, Samantha (Mark) Windle and Jennifer Thomas; sons, Dustin Kelley (Heather), Dylan Kelley and Drew Kelley (Taylor); sisters, Donna Kitt and (John), Linda Mock, Diane Andrews (Dennis), Carol Danborg (Simon); brothers, Jerry Scott Kelley (Sonia); ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; numerous extended family and a community of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Brian Kelley.

Services are scheduled for 3:00 P.M., Friday, June 19, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church in Emporia. Cremation will follow services. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.