Obituaries

Clarence Eugene “Gene” Kelly, 73 of Rocky Fork Road, Orlando, WV; (Gilmer County), departed this earthly life in the evening hours of Monday, June 6, 2022 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born September 16, 1948 in Parkersburg, WV; son of the late Paul and Macel Barnett Kelly.

Gene is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. having served during the Vietnam War. He worked as a tree trimmer in the timber industry for many years and worked for multiple different companies during that time.

In his spare time, Gene enjoyed working as long as he could, watching wrestling on TV, spending time with family and friends, and living the quiet life in West Virginia.

In 1978 Gene was united in marriage to Mary Freeman Kelly, who survives at their Rocky Fork Road home.

Surviving are 4 sons, Thomas Kelly (Jann) of Belpre, OH; Jerry and Charles Persinger of Orlando, WV; and James Persinger of Belleville, WV; 2 sisters, Diana Lewis of PA; and Lorraine Robinson (Willie) of Parkersburg, WV.

Also surviving are several grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.

Along with his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his son, Dana Paul Persinger, 3 brother, Roger and Delmer Kelly and Donnie Riggs, 3 grandsons, Craig, Jacob, and Nathan Persinger, and a great-granddaughter, Allie Hickman.

Gene’s request for cremation has been honored and family celebration of life will be conducted at a later date.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Clarence Eugene “Gene” Kelly with cremation arrangements.