On September 13, 1946, Robert Wade and Donna Louise Kelley were blessed with the births of Carl Lewis Kelley and his twin sister Carol Lorraine Kelley in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Carl graduated from Harry E. Wood High School here in Indianapolis, where he was an all-star basketball player as well as an avid photographer.

Upon graduation, Carl joined the Army in 1966 where he fought in the Vietnam War. He was later discharged with full honors in 1968.

Carl was blessed to have 4 children, Carla, Chad Sr. and twins Midge and Carl Jr. during his first marriage to Mary Alice Kelley. Carl was employed for several years at Robert’s Distributors. He was able to take his love for photography to help develop their camera department. This was his first salesman position, and this cultivated his professional relationship. He photographed all merchandise for their annual catalog which was a fond memory for his children as he developed photos in the dark room he created in the basement of their home. He was able to share his passion behind the lens by capturing photos of special occasions for his friends and loved ones.

Carl had a gift to gab and this transitioned into several other salesman opportunities with Scherer Electric, Kirby Risk, and Transmission Fluid Equipment.

Rev. Carl Kelley was called to preach at a young age. Rev. Kelley was a biblical scholar and a faithful servant of God. He was ordained into the C.M.E. Church. Upon accepting his call, he accepted an assignment at Copeland Chapel C.M.E. Church in Terre Haute, Indiana where he pastored for several years. He later was given the assignment to start his own church in which he proudly named Blessed Hope. (Titus 2:11-13). He later joined Phillips Temple C.M.E. where he assisted in various roles such as New Members class, Sunday School teacher, baptizing members, as well as visiting the sick and shut in. Serving God was his passion and he loved sharing the word of God to whomever would listen, and he enjoyed mentoring to those whenever and wherever needed. Rev. Kelley was dedicated and dependable until his untimely death.

Until his passing Rev. Carl Kelley was an active member with the Creation Evidence Expo where he was a regular speaker to promote truth in schools. He was never afraid to stand up for what believed in and was not deterred by opposition.

Called by many names: Rev. Kelley, Carl, and Kelley, Carl was a devoted husband to Anita Kelley. In their 19 years together, they were rarely apart and their love for each other was unconditional. They loved to travel and just spend time with one another and family.

Rev. Carl Lewis Kelley’s legacy will be continued by the people he cherished most. He is survived to cherish his memory by his loving wife Anita, his children Carla Anderson (Gary), Chad Kelley Sr (Erika), Midge Kelley, Tenika Dominguez, and Shawna Dominguez. His sister, Louise Williams as well as his grandchildren: Kalin Kelley Sr, Ericka Halbert, Annaleshia Branch (Dequan) Andrea Halbert, Carl Kelley III, Brandon Kelley, Mary Kelley(Kevin), Chad Kelley Jr., Colby Kelley, Camden Kelley, Jace Kelley and Brooklyn Kelley, Jazmin Pieper, Joshua Pieper, Eric Pieper, and Kyara Pieper.

He also leaves to cherish his memory 13 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Rev. Kelley was preceded in death by his parents, his son Carl Kelley Jr, granddaughter Reva Kelley and sisters Rev, Carol Jones and Lois Mitchell.