Thomas Kelley

Thomas Kelley, age 87, of Seneca, passed away peacefully in his home on August 10, 2025.

Born May 7, 1938 in Genoa City, Wisconsin, Tom grew up with a deep appreciation for the land and had an especially enduring bond with horses. He married the love of his life, Charmaine, November 2, 1957, and they were married 64 years before her passing. They raised three daughters and taught them all the joy found in the quiet rhythm of the barn, the provisions that come from the land, the patience of a trail ride, and the thrill of a good rodeo. He dedicated his career to Caterpillar in Joliet, retiring in 1998. Tom was steady, kind, strong, witty, wise, patient, and a friend to all. He enjoyed afternoons in the barn with friends and neighbors and especially enjoyed telling great stories and dancing in the kitchen. His comforting presence will be missed by all who had the joy of loving him. His life is a testament to the beauty of simple things, the value of hard work, the legacy of commitment, and the satisfaction of well-worn saddles.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia Read, grandchildren Seth (Brooke) Read, Jared (Megan) Read, Grant (Vanessa) Read, Savanah (Philip) Jones, Nicole (Matthew) Claypool, Joshua Kelley, Anthony noble, great-grandchildren Madison, Hudson, Brody, Hayden, Cooper, Oliver, Faye, Kinser, Shepherd, Mack, Clive, Rush, and Nash plus numerous extended family. He is preceded in death by his wife Charmaine, daughters Cynthia Noble and Denise Kelley, son-in-law David Read, parents Horace and Lilian (Thompson) Kelley, sisters Wilma (John) Ragain and Lavonne (Gib) Crum, and brothers Gerald and Vern Kelley. A special expression of gratitude to dear friends Ken and Pat Kirkpatrick, Fred and Charolette Kern.

A memorial service without visitation will be held Sunday August 17, 2025, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Seneca at 1:00pm with Father Ryan Mattingly officiating and burial at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date. Cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Ottawa Funeral Home.