Kenneth Dale Kelley, born on July 14, 1942, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, in Silsbee, TX. He was also affectionately known as Dale, Emmett, Papa, Grandpaw, PawPaw, and Other PawPaw.
Dale found joy in life's simple pleasures and grand adventures. He was an avid reader, book buyer, and supposed book seller; he accumulated a ridiculous number of books. Dale also enjoyed fishing and loved kayaking. His greatest delight was traveling across the country to visit his beloved grandchildren. Dale was a very social individual who cherished his many friends.
He is survived by his children, Paige Kelley Numata and her husband Craig, and Tim Kelley and his wife Jessica. Dale was a proud grandfather to Sam Numata, Lucy Numata, McKinsey Ingham Kelley, Karoline Snyder, Gentry Burdette, Jayde Kelley, Kyle Kelley and his wife Kendra, and Madison Carnes and her husband Michael. He also leaves behind great-grandsons Noah Kelley, Jonah Kelley, Thatcher Carnes, and Shepherd Kelley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen Kelley; parents, Arthur Kelley and Nona (Dougharty) Kelley; his daughter, Alicia Kelley Burdette; his brothers, Donald Wayne Kelley and Joe Allen Kelley; and his grandson-in-law, Lorcan Ingham.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday August 5, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Ford Cemetery in Bon Wier, TX.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the devoted caregivers of both Brookdale Dowlen Oaks and Silsbee Oaks Healthcare for their kindness and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, https://donorservices.alz.org.