Joseph Dean Kelly

1988 - 2025

Joseph Dean Kelly, 36, of Industry, Ill., formerly of Carthage, Ill., passed away early on Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home in Industry.
Joe was born on Oct. 4, 1988, in Carthage. He was the son of Tony Kelly and Kathey Althoff. He graduated from Carthage High School in 2006. Joe loved to play football and excelled for the Blueboys as a fullback and linebacker. During his youth, he got to spend time participating in ride-alongs with the local police and this began his passion to be a police officer. After high school, he went through the police academy. He then worked as a sheriff's deputy for many years. Joe was part of the Fraternal Order of the Police. He also spent time working at the TSA, the post office, as a prison guard, and ultimately, he drove a truck full time for DOT Foods. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing. He loved spending time with his kids. Joe made it his mission to help people and left a big impact on all those who knew him.
Joe is survived by his children, Lily Kemper, and Jace Kemper; his parents, Tony Kelly of Carthage, and Kathey (Robert) Snow of Quincy; his siblings, Becky (Aaron) Moander of Carthage, and Jimmy Kelly of Davenport, Iowa; his grandpa, James Kelly of Carthage; his nieces and nephews, Alex, Cameron, Emma, and Eliza, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is predeceased by his grandma, Jewel Dean Kelly, and his grandpa, Marvin Althoff.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. Memorials may be made out to the family for a college fund for his children. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.