Gene Kelley

Gene "Spike" Kelley passed away on August 2, 2025, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 8, 1945, to Gilbert and Wenona Mae Harris Kelley. After Gilbert's passing, he was adopted and raised by Deward Recker and his mother. Gene grew up in Alfalfa, where he attended school and graduated in 1963. He briefly attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, playing on the baseball team for three days before deciding to return home to farm alongside his father.

On January 18, 1964, Gene married the love of his life, Trina Horn. Together, they made their home in Alfalfa and raised three children: Devery, Mondi, and Sunni.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Spike coached more than 1,100 baseball, softball, and basketball games, positively impacting the lives of countless young athletes. He often shared his favorite sports memory-striking out Johnny Bench in high school baseball...twice.

Family meant everything to Spike. He was a constant presence at stock shows, proudly supporting his children. He was a member and deacon of the Alfalfa Baptist Church and was baptized in January 1955. He served on the board of the Carnegie Co-op.

Gene farmed and ranched until his retirement in 2002. He wasn't one for travel, famously saying there were still plenty of roads in Caddo County he hadn't been down.

Survived by his wife of 61 years, Trina Kelley of the home; and 3 children, Devery Kelley and wife Trenda of Eakly, OK, Mondi Parker of Hydro, OK, and Sunni Kelley of the home. He was proud of his 5 grandchildren Dalton Kelley, Stormi Sharry and husband Turner, Dandi Gilchrist and husband Cody, Gabbi Conkling and husband Rhett, and Lotti Parker and four precious great grandsons, Dutton, Bowen, and Dover Gilchrist and Kanon Sharry.

Also, survived by his sister, Paula Gilchrist of Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Kelley, Deward and Wenona Recker and brother, Wayne Kelley.

Funeral: 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2025

Alfalfa Baptist Church

Alfalfa, OK

Visitation: 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2025

1:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home

Carnegie, OK

Interment: Alfalfa Cemetery

Alfalfa, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK