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Kelly Joseph Deyoe

1957 - 2025

Kelly Joseph Deyoe obituary, 1957-2025, Tucson, AZ

FUNERAL HOME

Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory - Tucson

3015 North Oracle Road

Tucson, Arizona

Kelly Deyoe Obituary

Kelly Joseph Deyoe passed away on February 20, 2025. He was born on May 25, 1957 in Palmer, Massachusetts. Kelly is survived by his siblings Gene Deyoe (Laurie), Cheri Whisler, and Tanya Deyoe. Kelly also leaves behind 8 nieces and nephews and 8 great-nieces and great-nephews, and many special friends and family. Kelly was preceded in death by his father Eugene Deyoe Sr, mother Jessie Deyoe, brother James Deyoe, and sister Michelle Deyoe.

Kelly grew up in Massachusetts and upstate New York until his family moved to Arizona in 1960. He spent his youth in southern Arizona, moving frequently until 1968. He even skipped a grade, as the one-room school in Yucca didn't offer his grade level. Eventually, Tucson became his home.

Like most young people, Kelly's youth was full of adventure. He drove a blue Camaro, affectionately nicknamed the "Blue Streak," and enjoyed rock climbing, riding his dirt bike, and playing pool. However, on August 5, 1977, Kelly's life took a dramatic turn. He was involved in a construction accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down due to neck injuries. Miraculously, he survived, and for 47 years, he lived by the grace of God.

Throughout it all, Kelly found strength in his faith. God became his anchor, providing comfort in both good times and bad. His spirit was recharged daily by his belief, and he saw each new day as a gift for the rest of his life.

Kelly went on to attend the University of Arizona, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and earned his master's degree in engineering. He received a fellowship from Georgia Tech to pursue a PhD. Although he completed all his classes and much of his dissertation, he returned to Arizona for health reasons.

In 1999, his sister Michelle donated a kidney, helping to extend his life another 26 years.

Despite the challenges he faced, Kelly was dedicated to helping others. He counseled people in similar situations and served as a lay minister at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. He was also in charge of the South District United Methodist Lay Ministries and taught classes throughout southern Arizona. He also had a stint at leading Lay Ministries for the Arizona Conference. Kelly occasionally preached at St. Mark's, St. John's United Methodist Church, and other churches, led Bible studies, and volunteered weekly at his church, always giving back to his community.

He loved going to the Arizona Wildcat basketball games and cheering on the team. He had season tickets.

He consistently put the needs of his family before his own and was always there for loved ones, friends, and anyone in need. Whether it was offering advice or giving a stern lecture, he could always be counted on to provide what you needed. He cherished lunch outings with family and friends, and he loved spoiling his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whenever he had the chance. In Tucson, he was the family's rock, and his aideswhom he affectionately called his "girls"were considered part of the family too.

After a very challenging few months of illness and respiratory struggles, he succumbed to respiratory failure. He died with family and his second family, his "girls", surrounding him. He has moved on from this life to the next to be with His Lord and is running with his able body now. He is greatly missed. Viewing is at Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 N Oracle Rd., on Thursday, February 27th from 4:30 to 7:30. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 28th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark's UMC, where he attended, 1431 West Magee Rd, Tucson Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Interfaith Community Services Tucson.

"Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help you create the fact." William James.

Kelly was given more time to live 67 years on this earth, by the grace of God.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Deyoe

Not sure what to say?





Pamela Kountz

June 24, 2025

I´m so saddened by this...and was so blessed to have had him in my in my life. R.I.P., my dear friend

Single Memorial Tree

Gretchen Lofgren & S Worland

Planted Trees

Diane DAMEWOOD

March 2, 2025

Meeting Kelly when I became a member of St. Marks UMC in 2001 was a blessing in many ways. His upbeat and positive attitude gave me hope and inspiration. When I was diagnosed with Breast and Melanoma Cancers on 2001, then Parkinson´s in 2013, I would look at Kelly.

God Bless you Kelly, you touched so many lives and we are blessed to have you in our lives.

Janice Rose Shira

March 1, 2025

Kelly was patient, kind, and wise. He was a mentor and a friend who shared his faith by example. As a novice lay speaker, I appreciated Kelly´s knowledge and guidance so very much. Kelly, your life was an inspiration and a treasure. Rest in peace, dear friend. You are well loved and greatly missed.

Lecia & Larry O'Dell

February 27, 2025

I remember the first time I visited in 1977 when Kelly was in the hospital in Phonex. When I first entered the hospital room and he was in bed, I didn't know what to say. I didn't have to say anything, he started talking and asking about my flight and Aunt Ollie. We all went to dinner at a restaurant that was on the top floor (I'm afraid of heights) and it revolved around so you could see the sites. I asked to be at a table that didn't revolve - he teased me a bit but was understanding. He was such an inspiration to anyone who met him. I know he is in a heavenly place. Prayers to the family. He will be missed.

Harry Shaw

February 27, 2025

I met Kelly after my Walk to Emmaus when I received my calling from our Lord and participated in many classes that Kelly gave to further my steps to become a lay minister, and became the Lay Pastor at the Springdale UMC in Warren New Jersey. My wife Lorraine was instrumental in the start of renewing my faith. I will miss Kelly and it was an HONOR to know nim. God Bless you Kelly

Ann Robinson

February 27, 2025

When I think of Kelly I immediately think of Cat Stevens´s "life, you make it what it is." He was an extraordinary human being. I wish I had some of that "glow" he had. He lives on through those he met. Condolences to Tanya, Cheri and Gene.

Single Memorial Tree

V. Stewart & T. Moyer

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

kay murphy

Planted Trees

Gretchen Lofgren

February 26, 2025

A friend for over 15 years, Kelly leaves all with a hole in our hearts. He was first and foremost a servant of Jesus Christ. He touched the lives of every person he met and will be greatly missed. Free from his wheelchair, he dances with the angels.

Mary Beth Santoro

February 26, 2025

Kelly has been such an inspiration on how to live your best life regardless of the circumstances. Such a wonderful loving person.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Gary, Paul, Ralph & Mary Beth

Sent Flowers

Jerry and Jackie Callen

February 25, 2025

Kelly was an amazing angel among us. My hero.

Cristina Hernandez

February 25, 2025

Kelly was a wonderful friend, and boss I had not seen him for awhile, but knowing he is no longer with us is heartbreaking.

Richard and Andrea

February 25, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of Kelly´s passing! We really enjoyed his years In Atlanta.

Richard Robison and Andrea Doneff

Donna Reynolds

February 25, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Deyoe family and friends!
I knew Kelly for a long time & through my sister Roberta Baker.
We will all miss him dearly!!

Donna Reynolds

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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Memorial Events
for Kelly Deyoe

Feb

27

Viewing

4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory - Tucson

3015 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

Feb

28

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

St. Mark's UMC

1431 West Magee Rd, Tucson, AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory - Tucson

3015 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

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