David LeRoy Kelley

David LeRoy Kelley, 86 of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024, at The Porches. 

David was born in Emmett, Idaho on February 10, 1938, to Homer and Olga (Jordan) Kelley. He was one of two children. 

David served in the US Army from May of 1961 to May 1967. During his enlistment he served with distinction in Vietnam, served as a photo lab specialist, while also earning a college degree in TV, radio, and film. He was honorably discharged after 6 years, earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

He married Carol Buxton on a trip they took to Jarbidge, NV on August 26, 1989, and they made their home in Gaylord. David worked as a self-employed photographer in video production for industries and filmed documentaries. He retired in 2019. In his spare time, David was an avid outdoorsman and loved to travel. One most memorable trip was on the Calypso with Jacques Cousteau. They left out of Norfolk, VA, and traveled to the Amazon River. David explored most states, Mexico, South America, Europe and he even lived in Brazil for a time. With all his exciting adventures connected with his job, he worked well into the late years of his life traveling downstate for filming opportunities. He will be missed by all that knew him.

David is survived by his wife, Carol; only son, Corbin (Kathie) Kelley; his only grandchild, Ashlyn Kelley; and sister, Carol (Ken) DeGrange.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial gathering will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Audubon Society.