John Kelly obituary: John Kelly's Obituary, Dove Topeka

In Memory Of
John P. Kelly
1952 - 2024

Obituary photo of John Kelly, Dove-KS
Obituary photo of John Kelly, Dove-KS

In Memory Of
John P. Kelly
1952 - 2024

John P. Kelly, 71, of Topeka, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024.

He was born October 14, 1952, in Pensacola, Florida, the son of Herman B. Kelly (born in Florida) and Sheila King Kelly (born in England).

Herman was in the United States Air Force. John's family lived in multiple states and in England.

John graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1971, while his father was stationed in Topeka at Forbes Air Force Base.

John joined the Air Force out of high school and was honorably discharged in 1973.

He then decided to return to England. On February 17, 1976, he was certified and admitted to the Roll for General Nurses by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales working at Newmarket General Hospital.

Coming back to the States was his next move and he returned to Topeka...He found employment at The Menninger Clinic in their Children's facility. Menninger's is where he met Sharon Jean Blewett. They were married January 19, 1979. She survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Jacquelyn Cleary; his son, Richard Kelly; 3 granddaughters, Ameryka, Givannah, and Jehiah Stevenson. all of Topeka: and two brothers, Anthony and Carl (Maddie and children Cedrik, Cacey, and Aiden) Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two younger sisters, Shirley Borio and Kerry Kelly, of Florida.

John’s passion was guitar and music. He first taught guitar at Midwestern Music and then worked in the store, even doing small repairs. He retired from Churchill's, where he created many more friendships.

He loved playing guitar, listening to music, watching KTWU and the Kansas City Royals, the fun of fishing (never brought a fish home to clean or eat) and spending time with his family and friends. He loved sharing stories and knew how to make others smile. He was a friend to anyone. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. We will forever hold his love and support close to our hearts. We love you and deeply miss you.

Honoring his request, cremation is planned at Dove Cremation and Funeral, Southwest Chapel in Topeka. A private memorial ceremony was held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KTWU-PBS, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621.

To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above.
John P. Kelly, 71, of Topeka, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024.

He was born October 14, 1952, in Pensacola, Florida, the son of Herman B. Kelly (born in Florida) and Sheila King Kelly (born in England).

Herman was in the United States Air Force. John's family lived in multiple states and in England.

John graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1971, while his father was stationed in Topeka at Forbes Air Force Base.

John joined the Air Force out of high school and was honorably discharged in 1973.

He then decided to return to England. On February 17, 1976, he was certified and admitted to the Roll for General Nurses by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales working at Newmarket General Hospital.

Coming back to the States was his next move and he returned to Topeka...He found employment at The Menninger Clinic in their Children's facility. Menninger's is where he met Sharon Jean Blewett. They were married January 19, 1979. She survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Jacquelyn Cleary; his son, Richard Kelly; 3 granddaughters, Ameryka, Givannah, and Jehiah Stevenson. all of Topeka: and two brothers, Anthony and Carl (Maddie and children Cedrik, Cacey, and Aiden) Kelly of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two younger sisters, Shirley Borio and Kerry Kelly, of Florida.

John’s passion was guitar and music. He first taught guitar at Midwestern Music and then worked in the store, even doing small repairs. He retired from Churchill's, where he created many more friendships.

He loved playing guitar, listening to music, watching KTWU and the Kansas City Royals, the fun of fishing (never brought a fish home to clean or eat) and spending time with his family and friends. He loved sharing stories and knew how to make others smile. He was a friend to anyone. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. We will forever hold his love and support close to our hearts. We love you and deeply miss you.

Honoring his request, cremation is planned at Dove Cremation and Funeral, Southwest Chapel in Topeka. A private memorial ceremony was held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KTWU-PBS, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621.

To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above.

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