Dr. Ken Kellum

Tupelo—Dr. Kenneth Maurice Kellum passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 55. Ken was born August 11, 1969 in Tupelo, the son of William C. “Bill” Kellum Sr. and Maurice Lucas Kellum. After his 1987 graduation from Tupelo High School, Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in Physics from Millsaps College in 1991. While in high school and college, he was well known on the soccer fields for his outstanding athleticism. He then pursued his medical degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, graduating in 1996. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans, like his brother Carl and father Bill before him. He completed his Nephrology Fellowship at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans. For 17 years, Dr. Kellum served his patients at Nephrology and Hypertension Associates with dedication, passion, and excellence. He so enjoyed his time sharing stories with his patients.

On August 11, 1995, Ken married his best friend and love, Laura Riemer, and they treasured their 29 years together. He was a devoted member of West Main Church of Christ, taking part in several mission trips to Honduras and Russia.

After retirement, Dr. Kellum pursued his longstanding interest in pottery, and it became his new avenue of service. He threw beautiful pottery pieces, which he donated with joy to countless people. Ken often supported community outreach endeavors, such as the Shine Foundation and El Centro, and he held many community pottery workshops at Fresh Farm.

He also loved fly fishing, running, and supporting his kids in their many, many activities.

Ken leaves behind his wife, Laura Riemer Kellum of Tupelo; his children, Hannah Lawrence and her husband, Lucas, of Duluth, Georgia, and Caleb Kellum of Tupelo; siblings Paul Kellum and wife, Pam, of Daphne, Alabama, Andrew Kellum and wife, Donna, of Saltillo, Patti Wilson and husband, Mark, of Tupelo, and Debbie Tate and husband, John, of Russellville, Arkansas; sisters-in-law Becky Kellum of Vestavia Hills, Alabama and Emily Riemer of New Orleans, Louisiana; mother-in-law Marion Kennedy and husband, Danny, of Bush, Louisiana; father-in-law Michael Riemer and wife, Lynne, of Jefferson, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Carl Kellum Jr.

Visitation will be 12pm to 2pm Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the West Main Church of Christ Family Center.

Services will be 2pm Saturday at the West Main Church of Christ Family Center with Dr. Kerry Williams officiating. Graveside services will follow at Tupelo Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Bill Almon, Dr. Kevin Cole, Dr. Brad Crosswhite, Mr. Chris Johnson, Mr. Bryan Miller, Mr. Greg Parham, Mr. Arnold Price, Lieutenant Colonel Tommy Scott, and Mr. Tollie White. Honorary pallbearers will be his many nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made to the Shine Foundation of Tupelo, the West Main Church of Christ Mission Fund, or the National Kidney Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.