Merle Kelley

Merle E. Kelley, 59, of Chambersburg, died on the evening of Sunday, June 22, 2014, at his home. He became disabled due to a motorcycle accident in 2000 and had been battling cancer for the past year.

He was born on January 26, 1955, in Chambersburg, a son of the late Mervin E. “Jim” and Clara M. Dick Kelley. Merle was a 1973 graduate of Shippensburg High School and was a veteran of both the U.S. Army Reserve and the U.S. Navy.

He was a past member of the Minnequa Social Club, Shippensburg. Merle liked to garden, cook, babysit children of family and friends, spend time with his pets and his many friends, and he loved watching The Golden Girls on television. He was also a very outspoken advocate of violence against women.

He is survived by his companion of 25 years, Michele W. Clouser; close friends and caregivers, Dennis Price and Troy Kinsey; four brothers, Allan (Felicia) Kelley of Shippensburg, Gary L. (Cathy) Kelley of St. Thomas, Jimmie (Shirley) Kelley of Aston, and Marvin Kelley of Newburg; five sisters, Katherine (Roger) Baker of South Mountain, Linda (Chester) Donalson of Three Springs, Clara (Elmer) Weibley of Needmore, Goldie (William) Jones of Chambersburg, and Grace Kelley of Shippensburg; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Kelley.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home, Inc., Shippensburg. The Rev. Harold E. Yeager will officiate. Interment will be private. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter at 5051 Letterkenny Road Chambersburg, PA 17201.