Kells Franklin Rumsey

1958 - 2025

Kells Franklin Rumsey

Jul 15, 1958 - Jul 10, 2025

Kells Franklin Rumsey passed from this life on July 10, 2025 at his home in Roundrock, Texas with family members by his side. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hillier Funeral Home in College Station, Texas on August 2, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by a barbeque reception.

Kells loved and cared for his family and friends. He was also a strong leader, as demonstrated throughout his life from an early age. Kells was a highly educated man having earned two bachelor's degrees and two master degrees. Kells spent many years in Europe after being discharged from the U.S. Army during which time he made many friends with whom he stayed in contact to his last days. In the end, however, Kells shared how he came to the place where he wanted to be a person who would live by four character traits: compassion, kindness, tolerance, and patience, toward others.

Kells was a spiritual man throughout his life having been influenced by various eastern religions. He traveled throughout the middle east visiting ruins and religious sites. In the end, Kells affirmed his faith and belief in Jesus Christ as his Savior and the One through whom he would be able to spend eternity in heaven while in God's presence. Kells' decision was not made lightly but was instead the result of introspection, prayer and an act of simple child-like faith and trust. For that, his family will be eternally grateful.

Kells was born in July, 1958 in Nashville, Texas to Gloria Rumsey Rife and Kells Franklin Gaines. He spent time in various places growing up as an "army brat." Kells graduated from High School in 1976 from Killeen High School while living at Fort Hood, Texas. He loved scouting in his early years, eventually being awarded the prestigious Eagle Scout award in 1973 and membership in the Order of the Arrow. During his tenure with the Scouts, Kells spent time at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico after which he served on staff at Camp Tohuaya in Belton, Texas.

Kells continued his education at Texas A&M University as a member of the Class of 1980 receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree in Engineering Technology in 1982. He received a military scholarship and was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band. Kells' leadership abilities lead to his also being selected to serve on the Combined Band Staff.

Kells received a regular army commission in July, 1982 after which he spent time in Germany in the 317th Engineering Battalion. He served four years during which he received rapid promotions being honorably discharged after only four years as a regular army Captain. Kells remained overseas following his discharge and spent many years working and traveling in Europe. Kells also continued his education overseas having received a Bachelor's of Arts in German from the University of Maryland Overseas Program in Frankfurt, Germany, a Masters of Arts in International Relations from the Boston University Overseas Program in Frankfurt, Germany, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam.

Upon his return to the United States, Kells worked in the computer science industry as a Networking and IT Service Management Professional. He spent time with Dell Computer in Austin, Texas from which he retired in 2023. During his tenure with Dell, Kells received numerous certificates and awards in computer networking and was looked up to by many of his industry peers.

Kells' passion in his later years were his two dogs; Roxie and Rieley. He also developed an interest in beekeeping and maintained beehives at his weekend property in the Texas Hill Country in Blanco County. In the end, Kells' concern was for his family and friends. Kells very much loved his Mother, Gloria and Step-Father Bill Rife, Sister Dianne, and his two nieces, Lani and Janae. His final wishes were that they would be cared for and that they knew just how much that he loved each of them.

Kells is preceded in death by his step-father William T. Rife. He is survived by his mother, Gloria, sister Diane Cichowski and husband Leonard, nieces Laura Leilani. ("Lani") Hill and Janae Nutchler, cousin Ginger Winters, as well as step-siblings Wayne T. Rife and wife Ann, Jennifer Rife Ellis and husband Terry, Michael Craig Rife and life partner Lupita Lujan, and Pamela Rife Frusha and husband Robert.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hillier Funeral Home & Cremations in College Station, Texas. It will followed with a barbeque reception on site (come hungry). Kells' wishes were that it be a celebration and that people dress (in his words) "cowboy casual" rather than in formal attire.

Memorials can be made in Kells name with the Texas A&M University Association of Former Student, 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840 in lieu of flowers.

Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Kells and a life well lived.

Hillier of College Station

4080 State Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845