About
Fred Kelley Obituary
Here is the text with punctuation, capitalization, spacing, and symbol corrections only. No wording or meaning has been changed.
Fred Roger Kelley, 73, of Lake Waukomis, Missouri, passed away at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri, on January 28, 2026, after a two-year battle with cancer. Fred was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 18, 1952, to Clifford and Alma Kelley. He graduated from Truman High School in Independence, Missouri, in 1970. Fred married Carolyn Sue Cain on February 3, 1973. The couple later divorced, and he married Diane Stevick on October 16, 2015.
Fred has been retired for years but spent all of his professional career serving as a land engineer at various companies throughout the Kansas City area, including Burns & McDonnell, Bridges Land Surveying, and Kaw Valley. He lived the majority of his life in Independence, Missouri, but spent the last 15 years living at Lake Waukomis, Missouri. Fred was passionate about photography and documented many family activities and get-togethers over the years, as well as outdoor and nature scenes. He enjoyed racing and spent a lot of time in his younger years watching local drivers compete at I-70 Speedway. His love for the outdoors led to a number of fishing and camping trips with family over the years. In recent years, he spent the majority of his time supporting his grandchildren at sporting and school events.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry Kelley; his sister, Diane Kelley; and his wife, Diane Stevick. He is survived by his brother, Mike Kelley; his son, Andrew (Elizabeth) Kelley; and his son, Brendan (Katharine) Kelley. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Joshua, Bennett, Casey, and Anders Kelley.
The family would like to thank the staff at NorthCare Hospice House for their compassion and care in Fred’s final days. At Fred’s request, no service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org
).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2800 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127
People and places connected with Fred
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Kelley
Make a Donation
in Fred Kelley's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Fred's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Fred Kelley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
