Michael Henry Kelly

Michael Henry Kelly, 68 of Lipan and formerly of Eastland, passed away Saturday September 3, 2016 at his home near Lipan, TX. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 109 SE 9th Ave, Mineral Wells, TX. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Eastland City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland on Tuesday, 6~8:00 p.m.
He was born November 28, 1947 in Pecos, TX to Henry Kelly and Nona (Calley) Kelly. He married Susie Hanna on June 18, 1976 in Eastland. He was a cabinet builder for 36 years. He loved building cabinets and working with wood. In 1996 he, along with family, started raising show goats and Kelly Meat Goats was formed. Mike’s knowledge along with Kathryn’s showing ability was instrumental in helping to develop the Wether meat goat industry. After selling the ranch and the goat herd in 2012 he soon became aware that he wasn’t ready to retire. So along with Susie, Coltin & Kathryn Mike started raising Dorper Sheep. His love for animals and the challenge of producing the best show Wethers possible, whether they are sheep or goat, is what Mike truly loved. He and Kathryn spent hundreds of hours driving to and from shows and working with their animals in the barn.
Mike was not a flashy person but quiet and humble. He earned respect among the people he competed against and made life-long friends that he treasured. He will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in the death by a daughter, Kristin Kelly in 1987.
Survivors include his wife, Susie Kelly of Lipan; a daughter, Kathryn Black & her husband Coltin of Lipan; 3 sisters, Kay Murphy & husband Bill of Union, OR, Joan Lowe of Eastland, and Colleen Martin & husband Kim of Seymour; a grandson, Brisco Black of Lipan; and several nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be left at www.edwards-funeral-homes.com .