Gary Kelley

Gary H Kelley 89 of Wendell passed away at his home in Wendell on August 10 surrounded by loved ones.

Born February 23, 1936, to Wilma and Oliver Kelley in Boise. Gary and his sister Peggy grew up in the Treasure Valley.

In 1953 Gary joined the United States Marine Corp, seeing deployments in Japan, A tour in Korea as well as two tours in Vietnam. He truly embodied the phrase "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". After his 20 years and 14 days as a Marine. He retired as a Gunnery Sergeant E/7 in 1973.

After his retirement from the Military Gary wore many hats. From a Janitor to a Truck Driver. Maintenance man to a Sheriffs Deputy. Patrolling the back country of Camas and Custer Counties. Even for a time doing Handyman work for widows around the Magic Valley. He often said the best job he ever had was retirement. This allowed him to do one of his most beloved things. Play music. At the age of 8 years old Gary started playing the drums. Gary was an accomplished player of the stand-up Bass as well as the Bass Guitar. He played the harmonica as well as spoons, Gary and his wife Leila were members of the Idaho Old Time Fiddlers and later the Gem State Fiddlers. Playing for Retirement homes

several times a week. Gary and Leila would often pack up the travel trailer load up the Instruments and go to Jam sessions from Custer to the Arizona desert. They always looked forward to the Custer Jam as well as the yearly trip to Heber Utah to just Jam with friends.

Gary is survived by his wife of 25 years Leila Kelley. Children, Gari (Virgil) Fields. Margie (Steve) Munster. Mike Kelley. Patti (Lonnie) Williams, Susan Chivers. Debbie Pollard, Nancy (Manuel) Ayon, Jess (Mary) Dallas, Donna Allen. Teri Lee Lewis. Many many grandchildren, great and great great Grandchildren. Three Niece's.

Gary is preceded in death by his Mom Wilma Myers. Dad Oliver Kelley, Two stepdads Chester Geerhart and Lloyd (Slim) Myers. Sister Margaret (Peggy) Shawver. Grandson Christopher Davis, Granddaughter Alana Berrocal. Son-in-law Roy Chivers.

The family would also like to send a very heart felt and sincere Thank you to Dr. Ficklin and Visions Hospice for the care and compassion they showed not only Gary and Leila. But the entire family. They have an amazing crew. THANK YOU

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 East Elm Street, Buhl, Idaho 83316 at 11:00 AM.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the Guestbook section below.