Donald Kelly Root

Kelly Root, devoted husband, father, friend, and mentor, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 24th, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, leadership, and generosity at the age of 64 years old.

Kelly was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, but Baton Rouge was where he truly made his home. It’s where he built a life, raised a family, and created a lasting legacy. He graduated from Woodlawn High School, where he excelled in football as both a nose guard and kicker, and in baseball as a talented catcher.

A proud LSU Tiger, Kelly once walked on as a kicker for the football team, showing early in life the tenacity and courage that would define him. Though he left LSU just a semester shy of graduation to take over the family business following his father, Donald Eugene Root’s untimely stroke, his love for the university and especially its sports programs never wavered. He was a founding member of the “Front Row Lunatics,” a group of die-hard LSU basketball fans, and a devoted member of the Chew Chew Krewe, where he shared food, fellowship, and plenty of laughs with his tailgating family.

With a natural charisma and a mind for business, Kelly with the role of Owner and VP of Sales, transformed Capitol Welders from a modest family operation into a powerhouse that drew the attention of international corporations. Kelly was more than a leader, he was a great boss. He led with heart, humor, and humility, always making sure his employees felt valued, respected, and part of something bigger. His door was always open, his guidance steady, and his example inspiring.

After his mother, Annie Elizabeth “Bette” Teekel Root passed away, he helped guide the company through its acquisition by Praxair/Linde and stayed on as Regional Sales Manager until retiring in 2022. Kelly was not only successful but admired across his industry. He was an active and respected member of the professional buying group, the Airco Distributor Association, and the Linde Distributor Association, where his knowledge, integrity, and leadership made a lasting impact. He believed deeply in helping others and was often called upon for his business insight and counsel as a mentor.

Kelly’s impact extended far beyond the office. He was a tireless volunteer coach, guiding his children and young athletes in T-ball, the Flamingos, Cookies and Rookies softball teams, and the Mayhem baseball team. He also coached the 7th and 8th grade football team at St. Thomas More for 10 years alongside his dear friends. He was a steadfast presence in the St. Luke’s and Episcopal School community, serving on multiple boards, acting as booster club president of the Squires, and offering his time and talents to help wherever he could. At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Day School, Kelly served as school board president and faithfully on the vestry as both junior and senior warden. He was also a charter member of the Shark Bites booster club and an active member in numerous industry boards throughout his career. His motto: “Always leave everything better than the way you found it.” And he followed this philosophy every single day.

Kelly had a talent for just about everything, especially making anyone laugh. He was a sucker for a good cup of coffee, lover of an El Rio Grande margarita, a skilled guitarist, and a Beatles enthusiast who could sing every lyric. He appreciated the finer things in life, from grilling up the most delicious “Bayou Bash” hamburger to a spontaneous moonwalk across the dance floor. Few knew he could do the robot or the splits, but all who witnessed it would never forget it. He shared many traditions such as every March, Kelly and his best friend Fermin made their annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for March Madness, a tradition marked by laughter and endless fun that created a lifetime of memories.

Kelly was the heartbeat of his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to his gorgeous wife and high school sweetheart, Stacy McMorris Root, and the proud father of three adoring children: Emilee Catherine, Elizabeth Louise “BooBoo”, and Donald Aaron “Double A”. Whether coaching their teams, cheering from the sidelines, or cuddling with his best fur buddies Jojo and Finley, his family always came first. He showed up early, stayed late, and gave his whole heart to every game, every concert, every carpool ride, and every single moment. He brought warmth, humor, and unwavering love into their lives and into the lives of all who knew him.

Kelly faced his final challenge, the hardest one yet, with the same strength, courage, and grace that defined his life. Even in the darkest valleys, he never complained. His spirit remained unshaken.

As the Beatles so beautifully sang, “You were only waiting for this moment to arise.” Kelly, your moment came far too soon, but your light will shine forever in all of us.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the exceptional teams who walked alongside Kelly during his final journey. Special thanks to the staff of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, including Dr. Sanjay Juneja and Dr. Lauren Zatarain, as well as the dedicated team at MD Anderson and Dr. Srour. We are also deeply grateful to the compassionate nurses and aides at St. Joseph’s Hospice, who provided such loving care. 

A service to celebrate Kelly’s life will be held on August 9th. There will be a reception/visitation from 9am to 11am with service to follow at 11am. This will be held in Witter Hall at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to St. Luke’s Fire Fund at www.stlukesbr.org/ways-to-give.

“Though I know I’ll never lose affection, For people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more.” - The Beatles