Richard E. "Dick" Kellay

Richard E. "Dick" Kellay, age 86, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family at his side on Monday morning, January 8, 2018. He was born in Battle Creek on April 5, 1931, the son of Clyde and Myrtle (Pluff) Kellay. Dick faithfully served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army and retired from Post Cereals in 1986 after more than 35 years.

Dick married his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley J. Shive on November 26, 1951; she sadly preceded him in death on January 12, 2011. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah K. Kellay on January 14, 2016; his parents, and a niece, Colleen Kellay. Dick is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Ken) Buckelew, and Kayla (Mike) Richardson, both of Battle Creek; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a brother, Clyde (Barbara) Kellay of Oregon; a sister, Barbara Kinney of Florida; and a special friend, Joan Jones of Battle Creek.

A true outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, farming and spending time at the "Cottage" on Vincent Lake. A talented handyman, Dick built many different homes and cottages over the years. Most of all, Dick loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's events. Dick was a member of the Post 25 Year Club and the morning coffee club at the Capital Ave. McDonald's.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where services to celebrate Dick's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 11th. Interment will follow at Newton Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Oaklawn Hospice Care or the Southwest Michigan Veterans Relief Fund. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Dick may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.