Former councilman J.W. Kelley remembered

NORWALK — J.W. Kelley, a former Norwalk city council member and longtime Huron County civic volunteer, died Dec. 28, at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. He was 92. Kelley served on Norwalk city council and held appointments on the Huron County Parks and Recreation Board and the Huron County Airport Board. He was also involved with the Norwalk Lions Club, the American Legion in New London, the New London Alumni Association and the Gibson Masonic Lodge in Wakeman. Born Feb. 18, 1933, in Clarksfield, Kelley graduated from New London High School, where he participated in multiple sports and student government. He later served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. After returning to Huron County, Kelley worked for Landmark before opening a gas station, bulk fuel delivery business and convenience store in New London in 1960, which he operated until retirement. Family members said Kelley maintained close relationships with relatives and was known for playful teasing and humor. His nephew, Mark Kelley, recalled childhood gatherings where Kelley joked with nieces and nephews and maintained a close bond with his brother. "Ultimately, I always saw his complete respect for his brother, my Dad," Mark Kelley wrote. "There was only one Uncle Dub." Mark Kelley said his final memory of his uncle came during a visit in July 2024. "As I was leaving he wanted to see the car I was driving, a brand new Dodge Challenger," he wrote. "He used his walker to get to the front porch and I revved it pretty hard — the harder I revved, the bigger his grin. He laughed and waved as I pulled away." Kelley was also involved in youth sports and Boy Scout activities and regularly attended local high school athletic events, according to his obituary. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and infant sister; son, James Kelley; grandson, Jason Kelley; former wife, Nadine Everman Kelley; and his wife of 51 years, Cheri Palmer Kelley. Kelley is survived by four children, multiple grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service was hosted on Tuesday and a burial followed at Clarksfield United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norwalk Lions Club.