Kelly Patrick Wilson, a lifelong resident of WaKeeney, KS, passed away on May 27, 2024, in his hometown at the age of 68. Born on January 11, 1956, to Billy Lavonne and Martha Marie (McMinds) Wilson, Kelly's journey began and ended in the place he called home, WaKeeney.
During his formative years, Kelly attended Trego County Schools in WaKeeney. In 1973 Kelly crossed paths with the love of his life, Vivian Marie Mackin. Before completing high school, Kelly followed Marie to Cardin, OK when her family moved away from WaKeeney due to work. Their romance blossomed, culminating in their marriage on May 31, 1974, in Tereece, KS. Shortly after getting married, Kelly and his wife returned to WaKeeney, where they would build their life together for the years to come.
Kelly dedicated himself to a career in the oil field. Kelly worked his way up to Tool Pusher, running Murfin Rig #22. After 43 years of service, he retired in 2018. Never one to be idle, Kelly found fulfillment in contributing to his community through his work at the Recycle Center in WaKeeney.
Outside of work, Kelly embraced life's simple pleasures. Whether he was hunting, playing snooker, tinkering with cars, scratching lottery tickets, or sharing his passion for fishing with his grandchildren. Kelly lived life with enthusiasm and joy, chuckling at the many shenanigans he would do to his grandkids and others.
Kelly is survived by his loving wife, Marie Wilson; his children, Gary (Michelle) Wilson of WaKeeney, KS, Bryon (Myra) Wilson of Wamego, KS, and MaLinda (Daniel Hook) Wilson of Collyer, KS; his 10 cherished grandchildren; Blake, William, MaKaLa, Xzavier, Riley, Gavin, Avrie, Brayden Dakota, & Kadin; his brothers, Jerry (Karol Chaffee) Wilson of WaKeeney, KS, and Jeff (Gwyn) Wilson of Dubuque, IA; and his sister, Marie (Vaughn) Marcum of WaKeeney, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ross Wilson; and sister, Rebecca “Becky” Warren.
A funeral service to honor Kelly's life will be held at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at WaKeeney City Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Schmitt Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. If a tree is planted in Kelly’s Honor, the family would like to be notified. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672. Kelly's legacy of love and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.