Claude Allen Kelley

Claude Allen Kelley was born in Kaufman, Texas on September 14, 1953 to Thelma Laura (Hughes) Lubbes. He was raised in the countryside and had a love and appreciated of the outdoors from a young age. He was not afraid to put his hands to work, he was an employee for Midwest Nursery for many years and enjoyed tending to his vegetable gardens, growing a beautiful crop of tomatoes and peppers. When he had a moment to relax, he could be found out playing horseshoes or fishing. He loved his dogs and went everywhere with his favorite canine friends by his side. Claude was very close to his nieces and nephews and liked spending time with them, playing dominoes or watching some of his favorite shows like Hawaii Five-0 or the good ‘ol westerns with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne and the occasional scary movie. He was outgoing and had the wittiest sense of humor, whether it be picking on his niece, Alicha’s height or sneaking sugary treats to the kids. On Monday, February 12, 2024, Claude passed from this life at the age of 70 years old. His contagious laugh and fun spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his mother, four brothers, Gary Walkers, David Harold Puckett, Richard Euvaugh Puckett and Claude Kelley and five sisters, Tsianenia Jean Smith, Beverly Raye Puckett, Glenna Vaye Puckett, Laura Vay Richardson and Wanda Kay Evans and many aunts and uncles.

Those left to remember Claude include his nieces, Alicha Perkins and husband Jerry of Hulbert, OK, Nashoba Hughes, BreAnna Hughes, Aleighandra Hughes, all of Tahlequah, OK, Sheryl Mullins and husband Haze, Rose Mullins, Glenna Gilliam, all of Fort Smith, AR and Alicha Elvina Marie Carey, nephews, Henrey Carey of Hulbert, OK, Rocky Hughes and wife Kristina of Tahlequah, OK as well as many other extended nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, along with one sister, Wilma Juakita “Kita” Puckett of Calhoun, LA and many other friends and loved ones.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Claude will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Reverend Jason Gann officiating.

Honorary pallbearers include Jerry Perkins, Rocky Hughes, Henrey Carey, Mitchell Carey and Martin Teehee.