Mark Kelley

Mark Sterling Kelley, 70, of Potosi, TX went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 30, 2024.   

Mark was born to James Herschel and Mary Jean (Keen) Kelley in Wichita Falls on June 20, 1953.  He grew up in Stamford where he spent his youth cowboying and participating in FFA.  He graduated from Sydney Lanier High School in Austin in 1972 and attended Tarleton State University.  After high school, Mark became a master welder, working for a variety of companies including Pride and Atmos.  He taught and mentored many young men in the art of welding including his son and grandsons.  Having Matthew, Mason and Briley, work alongside him were some of the proudest times of his career which was special for all.   

Mark was a cowboy through and through.  He learned to rope from his Uncle Jerry on his favorite horse, Snowball, and it became a lifelong passion. The Texas Cowboy Reunion was an important part of his life as was a family tradition for many generations.    

 In 1973, Mark met Cathy Carson, the love of his life, at the Stamford Rodeo.  They were wed on July 28, 1974 in Merkel.   They eventually settled in Potosi where they had two children, Matthew and Nicole.  Mark was a devoted husband and father.  He imparted his love of horses and rodeo to his children and was dedicated to their rodeo pursuits.  Later in life, he and Cathy enjoyed sharing their passion with their grandchildren by teaching them to ride and rope, going on family  trail rides, and participating in numerous local rodeos and parades. After Mark retired, he and Cathy enjoyed attending as many dances as they could, many on trips with their travel trailer buddies.  

Mark raised his family at the Potosi Baptist Church.  From the beginning, Mark devoted his life, his marriage and his family to the service of the Lord.  He studied the Bible daily and strived to set a Godly example to his family and his community.  He served the church’s youth ministry leading many young people to God, drove the church bus and was a respected Deacon for many years.  Mark was unwavering in his faith and went to the Lord in prayer without ceasing.  Mark later joined the Wylie Baptist Church where he also served as a Deacon and spread the word of God through volunteering and community outreach.  He was a man of God, a good and faithful servant.  Mark’s greatest legacy is his faith and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  In his final days, his firm belief in God supported him and ultimately gave him peace.   

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, his Uncle Jerry Keen and his grandson Victor Roe. 

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; son Matthew Kelley and wife Missy of Abilene, daughter Nicole Roe of Abilene, brother Jimmy Kelley and wife Janie of Temple, sister Beverly Whittlesey and husband Clayton of Marble Falls, grandchildren Briley Roe and wife Samantha of Merkel, Mason Kelley of Abilene, Carson Roe and partner Destiny Diaz of Abilene, Kenneth and partner Glory of Abilene and great-grandchildren Saige and Spencer, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.     

 Pallbearers: Briley Roe, Carson Roe, Kenneth Bonnette, Mason Kelley, Kirt Keen & Blake Whittlesey 

 Honorary Pallbearers: Tony Roberts, Kevin Roberts, Randy Burson, Clay Holt, Mike Clemmens & Richard Sowell  

 A visitation will be held 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the Hamil Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.  Services will be at 10:00am on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Wylie Baptist Church officiated by Pastors Rick Hargrove and Mike Harkrider with burial to follow at the Potosi Cemetery.