Chad Kelly

With heavy hearts, we honor and celebrate the life of Chad Everett Kelly, age 54, of Plainwell, Michigan. Born on December 30, 1970, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Terrence Kelly and Betty Kelly, Chad passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and creativity. Chad's early years were shaped by his family's life of travel and adventure. His father, Terrence, proudly served in the U.S. military including during the Vietnam era and his service took the Kelly family to many places across the country and overseas. Chad, his brother Shane, and their parents lived a life full of movement and discovery, calling places like Germany, Missouri, Oklahoma, and North Carolina home at different times. Every three or four years brought new experiences, new friends, and new memories. Through all the moves, one thing never changed - the family's closeness, love, and laughter. Those years built the strong bond between Chad, his brother, and their parents - a bond grounded in adventure, respect, and unwavering support. Raised by his devoted parents, Chad learned strength, character, and compassion. The connection between them was unbreakable, and now he is reunited with his beloved father, Terrence - father and son together again in eternal peace. Chad lived a vibrant and meaningful life that reflected his deep love for family, music, and creativity. In his younger years, he proudly served his country, embracing the values of dedication, perseverance, and honor. After his service, Chad devoted his life to his family - a loving son, brother, uncle, and above all, a proud and devoted father. Chad shared a close bond with his loyal brother Shane Kelly, his cherished daughters Nicole Kelly and Kaycee Kelly, his niece Kaylee Kelly, and his great-nephew Leonidas Cram Kelly - each of whom carries his love and memory forward. Chad's heart beat to the rhythm of music. He was a true collector and lover of sound - from rock to soul, funk, from classics to hidden gems. Music was his language of joy and connection, filling his home with melodies that reflected his spirit: deep, soulful, and full of life. Creative by nature, Chad loved building, crafting, and collecting. He found beauty in the simplest things and had a gift for turning imagination into something real. His steady hands, curious mind, and kind heart touched everyone who knew him. Chad also loved spending time gaming with his friends, whom he affectionately called his "war dogs." Under his gamer tag, he found a community of friends who shared laughter, good conversation, and countless hours of fun. For Chad, gaming wasn't just a pastime - it was another way he connected, supported, and shared his love of life with others. Chad will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and his gift for making people feel loved and understood. He was the kind of man who could fix anything, talk about everything, and love without conditions. More than anything, Chad was proud to be a father. His daughters, Nicole and Kaycee, were his heart, his purpose, and his greatest joy. His love for them and for his family will forever echo through the lives he touched. Rest peacefully, Chad Everett Kelly. Your song will never end, your laughter will echo forever, and your love will live on in every heart you touched. Forever our melody. Forever our heart.

Please join us as we gather to celebrate and honor the life of Chad Kelly a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend whose laughter, music, and kindness touched so many hearts.

We will share memories, music, and stories as we remember the incredible person Chad was and the love he gave to everyone around him. This will be an informal and heartfelt gathering. friends and family are welcome to come together, reminisce, and celebrate his life.

Date & Time: Saturday, November 16, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Otsego VFW Post 3030, 124 N Farmer St, Otsego, MI 49078

Light refreshments and food will be provided. Please bring your favorite memories, photos, or stories to share. Casual attire is welcome Chad would want everyone comfortable, laughing, and surrounded by good music and good company.

Let’s come together to remember a life well lived, a soul deeply loved, and a man who will never be forgotten.

If you would like to send flowers or make a donation, please send to VFW in Otsego or Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080 on November 15th & the 16th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/chad-kelly-memorial/2443775316018987/

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Chad's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Kelly family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.