Thomas Dale Kelly

Tom Kelly left this earth for his eternal home Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

Thomas Dale Kelly was born to Clarence and Marie Kelly on June 12, 1933. He graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School in 1952. He lettered four years in basketball and track. He lettered three years in football, suffering a neck injury that kept him from playing his senior year. His basketball team went to state his sophomore and senior years. He was one of the five selected for the State of Illinois for the All State Basketball Team. In 2006, Tom was inducted into the Lawrenceville Basketball Hall of Fame.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Emma Sue Whittaker on June 20, 1952. He worked at the Texaco Refinery in Lawrenceville for eight years then moved to Pomeroy Nov. 30, 1960. Tom worked for the Ledgerwood Brothers, Dye Seed Ranch, John Cardwell Ranch, Garfield County Road Department and retired as the leadman of the Washington Department of Transportation in June 1998. He enjoyed his grandkids and attended their sports and other activities. He also loved to hunt, trap and golf. Tom enjoyed his workshop and built birdhouses, furniture and other crafts for his family and friends after retirement.

Tom was a member of the Pomeroy Christian Church, State and National Trapper Associations and NRA. He also served in the National Guard while living in Illinois.

Tom is survived by his children, Tom (Dort), of Pomeroy, Jon (Kelly), of Pomeroy and Tami (Mark) Morgan, of Richland; grandchildren, Elijah (Julie), Rachael (Ernie) Gerber, Michael (Larissa), Justin (Krista), Brooke and Dani Sue; great-grandchildren: Jayden, Makayla, Aubree, Malachi, Lexis, Hoyt, Braxton, Jack, Case and Sam. He is also survived by four brothers: Dean, Leonard, Duck and Joe. He was preceded in death by his wife Sue; one sister Virginia; and three brothers: Jerry, Jim and Chuck.

Tom's family takes comfort in his life lived as a believer and follower of Christ and that he was looking forward to waking up in heaven.

A family graveside is planned for both Mom and Dad later this spring. The family would like to thank the Royal Plaza staff and the doctors, nurses and care teams at TriState Health for their excellent care and compassion shown to Dad and us.

Memorials may be made to Pomeroy Christian Church, P.O. Box 699, or to the Pomeroy Food Bank, P.O. Box 15, both in Pomeroy, WA 99347.