David "Yoke" Kelly Sr.

David Kelly Sr.

Sunrise: March 24, 1950, ~ Sunset: October 19, 2023

David Kelly Sr. age 73 of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on October 19, 2023, after battling cancer for months. David “Yoke” Kelly Sr. was born on March 24, 1950, in Copiah County, Mississippi to Robert Clarence Kelly Sr. and Sadie Mae Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Allean “Sis” Martin, Doris ‘Dot” White, Pat Kelly, and Jerri Kelly.

David was an inspiration to all who met him. He retired from Marshall and Swift Packing after 30 plus years. He never stopped working he went on to work at Meskwaki Bingo, providing Lawn Care and Debris removal, etc. Anyone who knew Yoke – knew he was a HARD worker.

Yoke as he was affectionately called by his family and friends retired and spent his time fishing, grilling, gardening, manicuring his lawn and enjoyed spending time with family and friends (especially his grandchildren). He was quite a fisherman often sharing his catch with friends and family. Also, he was a devoted gardener and would share his produce just for the asking. He spent many hours entertaining which would consist of grilling, playing various card games, hanging out in the yard with family/ friends, listening to the blues and just sitting out in the yard chatting casually with his brother, Robert aka Shorty.

David was kind, giving and had the biggest heart imaginable. He will be forever cherished for his kindness, strength, patience and sharing. He was generous beyond belief and brought loyalty and commitment to all that he did. He was the epitome of what we strive to be as a parent, grandparent, and friend.

David leaves to cherish his memory, four loving children, his daughter, Yolonda Dings of Port Orange, FL, one son, David Kelly Jr. of Des Moines, IA, his daughter, Amy Kelly of Marshalltown, IA and stepdaughter, Nicole Osborne of Marshalltown, IA and 20 grandchildren.

David is also survived by his, brothers, Robert Kelly Jr., of Marshalltown, IA, Albert Rockingham of Jackson, MS, Ray (Karen) Rockingham of Marshalltown, IA, Roy Lee Byther of Hazelhurst, MS, his sisters, Bessie Rockingham of Hazlehurst, MS, Easter Mae Pendleton of Hazelhurst, MS, Patricia Ann Smith of Hazelhurst, MS, Annie Catchings of Wesson, MS, Stacey Kelly of Natchez, MS, Mary Ann McNealy of Natchez, MS, Kathy Jean of Lake Jackson, TX, and Jeannette Zeigler, Hazelhurst, MS and a host of nieces, nephews.

Lovingly written by the family.

Acknowledgement:

We, the family of the late David Kelly Sr., wish to acknowledge every act of kindness and appreciate the abundance of love, comfort, prayers, and support during this difficult time. We cannot express in words what it has meant to us. We are grateful for every warm thought and especially, your prayers. May God richly bless you and keep us in your hearts.

Service Information:

A public visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Wednesday October 25, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa and a Memorial Service is also scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.