Jeffrey Charles Kelchner

1952 - 2024

Jeffrey Charles Kelchner

May 27, 1952 - September 30, 2024

Lakewood Ranch, Florida - Former Ocean City Police Captain and Worcester County Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Charles Kelchner, 72, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida and formerly of Bishopville, Maryland, passed away on Monday, September 30th, 2024.

He was born in Washington, DC and was the son of the late Charles Kelchner and Geraldine (Corcoran) Kelchner.

Jeff served 29 years with the Ocean City Police Department, retiring as Captain in 2006, after serving as Division Commander for the Services, Patrol, Administrative, and Criminal Investigation Divisions. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy -139th Session. Jeff joined the Worcester County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff in 2008 and retired after faithfully serving the community for another 10 years.

Throughout the years, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, an Associate member of the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Wilson United Methodist Church in Bishopville.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy Speiran Kelchner; son Ryan Kelchner and wife Tara of Tampa, FL and beloved granddogs Gibson and Rhett; two brothers: Tim (Missy) Kelchner of Silver Spring, MD and Pete (Teresa) Kelchner of Belleair Beach, FL; two sisters: Pam (Bruce) Ferguson of Summersville, WV and Mary Anne Doggett of Annapolis, MD; three nieces: Liz (Mike) Domanski, Michelle Kelchner, Katie (Nate) Smith; three nephews: Matt (Bastianna) Kelchner, Scott (Alyssa) Kelchner, Clint (Tara) Ferguson.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Charles Kelchner, mother, Geraldine (Corcoran) Kelchner, and brother-in-law, Burton Lee Doggett, LCDR, USN (ret).

Taking up golf in his later years, that became a favorite pastime, and he played 2-3 times weekly with the many friends he made over his years in retirement. Jeff was an avid Maryland Terrapins, Orioles, and Redskins fan and enjoyed watching both college and professional football every chance he got. He never missed an Orioles Spring Training Opening Day since first vacationing in Siesta Key over 15 years ago.

After he moved to Florida, he was a passionate gardener and loved spending hours outside making sure that his yard was the pride of the neighborhood. He loved his beautiful Florida home, his backyard pool, and got enjoyment from sharing his time with friends and family. A devout Christian, he always went above and beyond to help others in need and could regularly be found helping out a neighbor with whatever handyman tasks came up or just lending a helping hand when you least expected it.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th Street in Ocean City with the Rev. George Patterson officiating. Family and friends may visit an hour before the service.

Interment will be held with honors at the Bishopville Cemetery in Bishopville, Maryland with a reception to follow at the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department.

In Lieu of Flowers Donations may be made to: Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 350 Bishopville, MD 21813, https://bishopville900.com/page/donate; FBINAA Charitable Foundation, 320 S. Lecanto Highway, #165, Lecanto, FL 34460-0165, https://www.fbinaafoundation.org; or Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MBC-FOUND Tampa, FL 33612, https://www.moffitt.org/give.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.