Donald Charles Kelly, 90, of Southwest Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on November 13, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 5, 1935, in Saint Joseph, Michigan, Don was the son of Lawrence and Louise (Haase) Kelly and a 1953 graduate of Saint Joseph High School.
Don married the love of his life, Donna Jean DeLong of Benton Harbor, Michigan, on August 16, 1958. Together they shared 63 years of devoted marriage until Donna’s passing in 2021. Side by side, they raised seven children on their five-acre property in Benton Harbor, where Don cultivated a large garden, kept a horse and a bloodhound. His life was built on the principles of hard work, resourcefulness, and generosity, values he instilled deeply in his family.
Don spent 38 years at Farmers and Merchants National Bank (now Chase Bank), working his way up to head of the bookkeeping department. A skilled craftsman, he learned carpentry in his youth while helping his uncle build houses without the use of power tools. He later built two homes of his own and got his contractor’s license in retirement. Throughout his life, Don was always ready to lend a hand, completing countless home improvement projects for friends, family, and neighbors—usually for little or no payment. Whether building decks, installing windows, or doing electrical and plumbing work, Don served others with quiet humility and unfailing willingness.
Faith was a cornerstone of Don’s life. He was active in his church, taught Sunday School, and served on the board of trustees at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, where he was baptized by Pastor Vernon. He carried his faith into daily life, always seeking to reflect kindness and love.
Don had a deep fondness for animals. He was known for feeding his birds and the enjoyment of bringing treats to his beloved “grand-dogs.” In his later years, he discovered a joy for baking pies and delivering them to friends and family—a simple act that allowed him to stay connected with those he cared for. After he and Donna built their dream home overlooking Lake Michigan north of St. Joseph, they developed cherished friendships with their neighbors. Don continued to nurture these relationships even until his final days.
Don is survived by his sister, Catherine (Kelly) Knapp; his children: Doug (Barb) Kelly of Benton Harbor, Sue (Eric) Lachman of Fairplain, Barb (David) Tabbert of Fairplain, Beth Kelly of Saranac, Nancy (Scott) Schonschack of Berrien Springs, Matthew (Teresa) Kelly of Eau Claire, and Mark (Roxanne) Kelly of Saint Joseph; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Kelly; his granddaughter, Annie Kelly; and his great-grandson, Leor Kelly.
Don leaves behind a legacy of unwavering generosity, work ethic, faith, and love. His selfless spirit and steady guidance shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Memorial Service: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, at Berrien County Baptist Church, 5940 St. Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.
Don’s children take comfort in knowing he is reunited with Donna and is in the presence of the Lord whom he faithfully served. May his memory be a blessing.
(Grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great- great grandchildren)
Rodney (Kristina) Hutsell, Alivia (Tyler) Morris, Bayleigh Morris, Jaidyn Hutsell,
Brooklynn Hutsell, Hattie Scruggs, Abby Tuttle, Cameron (Chad) Tuttle, Charlie Baney,
Skyler Tuttle, Dana Current (Edward Contreras), Cole Current, Mason Current, Andrew Kelly (Mandy Sonner), Emma Kelly, Morgan (Greg) Rooney, Logan Rooney, Ben Lachman,
Joshua Lachman, Spencer (Josh) Mitchell, Brooks Mitchell, Will Schonschack,
Cagney (Erik) Hedahl, Gunner Hedahl, Jillian Hedahl, Kelsey Tabbert, Liza Kelly,
Ali Kelly, Jesse Kelly, Kayla Ott, Nathan (Christine) Kelly, Cody (Joslyn) Kelly,
Jacob (MacKenzie) Kelly, Emilee Kelly
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at: www.heritage-chapel.com.
Service Details
Visitation
When
November 29th, 2025 10:00am – 11:00am
Where
Berrien County Baptist Church
Address
5940 St. Joseph Ave.
Stevensville, MI 49127
Service
When
November 29th, 2025 11:00am
Where
Berrien County Baptist Church
Address
5940 St. Joseph Ave.
Stevensville , MI 49127
Posted On: Thursday, November 20, 2025 3:37 PM
