Michael Keith “Mike” Kelley, son of Billie Joe and Jacqueline Elaine (Miller) Kelley, was born Nov. 18, 1963. He departed this life unexpectedly at his home in Norwood at the age of 56 years, 10 months and 2 days. Mike was raised in the Hartville area and graduated from Hartville High School. He worked as a log buyer supervisor and transportation supervisor hauling logs. He loved what he did for work and enjoyed being in the great outdoors while doing his job. He was united in marriage to Rachel Sparbel on June 16, 1984 and from that day, they became each other’s whole world. Added to this love was two daughters, Brandi Kelley and Morgan Kelley. Michael is survived by his wife, Rachel; his two daughters, Brandi and Morgan Kelley, of the home; one brother, Verrell Kelley, of Seymour; two special nephews, Matt Kelley and his wife, Jackie, of Mansfield, and Brandon Kelley and his wife, Ashley, of Seymour; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Rodney Allen Kelley, and his mother-in-law, Wilma. Mike had accepted Christ and was a member of the Little Creek Baptist Church at Hartville. He was loved by all. He had a heart as big as a bear. Mike loved to hunt, fish and be with his family. Mike loved kids and enjoyed seeing them succeed in hunting and fishing activities. He looked forward to his family’s annual vacation to Point Randall Resort, where he could unwind and have special time with his family and the many, many special friends that became family over the years; this week of vacation was filled with fishing, fish fry’s and card playing until the early hours of the morning. Mike also enjoyed his fishing trips with the guys, not just for the fishing, but for the enjoyment of each other’s company. In the last three or four years, he loved getting to go to Kansas on a hunting trip, where he got to bring home a “trophy” deer. His entire life, Mike hunted, fished and enjoyed the outdoors. Mike donated his time helping catch fish for the annual Lions Club fish fry or any other fish fry the community needed him for; this was something that he really enjoyed. He was always willing to help anyone in need, Mike was there. Mike’s greatest love was for his family and friends; he loved them with all his heart. He was a loving husband, caring father, brother, uncle and dear friend. We celebrate his wonderful life and will always cherish the many happy memories he created. Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sep. 25, 2020 at Little Creek Baptist Church in Hartville with the Rev. Joel Childers and the Rev. Gary Dedmon. Escorts were Kenny Williams, Brian Sanders, Chuck Dickinson, David Dickinson, Josh Kinney, Brandon Kelly, Matt Kelley and Derek Day.Holman-Howe Funeral Homes in Hartville handled the arrangements.
