Obituary of Duane Elvon Kelley

Final Muster for Local WWII Navy Veteran Duane "Flat" Kelley, Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Duane "Flat" Kelley, 91, of Terra Alta, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2016 in Grantsville, MD. Duane was born May 17, 1925, in Masontown, WV, the son of the late Darwin Kelley and Clarice Bowers. A graduate of Terra Alta High School ('44), Duane was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Navy as Boatswain's Mate Second Class, Petty Officer Second Class aboard the USS Manatee from 1944-46 in the Pacific Theater. After returning home, he married the love of his life Jeannie Hill, started a family and joined his father in his well drilling business before moving to the banking industry, where he worked until his retirement in 1987. Duane is survived by his siblings, Jerry Kelley and Ronald Kelley; his children, David and Joey Kelley, Mary and Russell Straface, Nancy Kelley and Julie Kelley; his five grandchildren, who called him "Pap-Paw", Brandy Straface, Brian and Elena Kelley, Brett and Emily Kelley, Jeffrey and Kim Straface, and Beth and Andrew Wasik; and seven great-grandchildren, Isabella, Alex, Layne, Grant, Alexandra, Pierce and Saxon. In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jeannie; sister Katherine "Kitty Lou" Sypolt and brother Donald Kelley. Friends may gather at Arthur H. Wright Funeral Home in Terra Alta on Friday, Nov 4, from 4pm to 8pm and from 10am Saturday, Nov 5, at First United Methodist Church in Terra Alta until the 11am time of service with Pastor Ross Glotfelty officiating, followed by a graveside service with Navy Funeral Honors at Terra Alta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 313, Terra Alta, WV. Duane's family would like to also extend a special thanks to the staff at the Goodwill Retirement Community in Grantsville for the care and support they provided. Condolences: www.arthurhwrightfuneralhome.com