Joe Arnold Kelley

Funeral services for Joe Arnold Kelley, 77, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lufkin First United Pentecostal Church officiated by Brother Joe Stanley. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Narrow Way Cemetery.

Joe was born July 9, 1946 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Georgia Lois (Thomas) and Arnold Kelley. Joe died Monday, January 15, 2024 at the hospital in Tyler, Texas.

Joe graduated from Hudson High School and Stephen F. Austin State University. He served in the U.S. Army between 1966-1968 stationed in Vietnam. He retired from LCTX phone company after 28 years of service.  While working for the phone company, he owned and operated Kel-Tronics and East Texas DSL for a combined 50+ years.

Joe raised five prominent children with successful lives, even built his home with his own hands. He was so supportive of his kids and especially his grandkids. He attended every major event. He loved attending football, baseball, basketball, and softball. Joe was the best bleacher coach ever. His true passions were floating the river and snow skiing with his family.

Joe was Mr. Smiles. Always smiling, always positive. He loved to play the guitar and sing. Joe was the strongest man in all his family’s lives. He was a kind man and would do anything for anybody. He loved, encouraged, and led them, and was the best example of a man amongst men. He followed Jesus from a young age, and lived by his faith often praying for others. He was a pillar of the church and community.

In 2015, Joe reconnected with Linda Midey. In April 2022, he married his best friend. The love he had for Linda and the love she had for him was a bright light that all of his family could see. He had found his forever love with Linda. The family is blessed to have Linda love him as she did.

Joe knew there is no sting to death and no victory to the grave. The Bible says, “Joy in the eyes of the Lord are the death of His saints”. He is on the roster of Jesus as one of His saints.

From his family, “Go rejoice with your dad and mom, Arnold and Lois, say hi to your brother, Harold, and granddaughter, Kylie, for us. ‘Till we meet again. We love you and thanks for instilling all your core values in us along the way. You will be missed dearly. Love you!”

Survivors include his wife, Linda Kelley of Lufkin; daughters, Lisa Owens and husband Mike of Allen, Susanne Ellis and husband Darrin of Crystal Beach, Angie Diffey of Canyon Lake, and Christina Carter and husband Jason of Montalba; son, Joe Kelley and wife Jade of Lufkin; granddaughters, Kacey Cox and husband Taylor, Kristi Owens and Neal Gordon, Joshua Owens and wife Laura, John M. Prosniewski, LT. US Navy and wife Lauren, Scarlet Ellis, Savannah Ellis, Caleb Kelley, Whitney Kanke, Cason Putnam, Zoey Kelley, Natalie Waller, and Hailee Kelley; six great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Edwards and husband Billy of Lufkin; brother, Robert Kelley of Houston; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold Kelley; and granddaughter, Kylie Kelley.

Pallbearers will be Josh Owens, Ryan Edwards, Chip Kelley, Caleb Kelley, Justin Hamilton, and Cason Putnam.

Honorary pallbearers will be Vernon Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Mike Owens, Scott Kelley, David Kelley, Darrin Ellis, and John M. Prosniewski, LT. US Navy.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.