Kelly, Charles Lee age 76 of Bayard NM left peacefully on the morning of April 26, 2025 at GRMC in Silver City NM surrounded by his family. He was born June 21, 1948 to his mother, Rebecca Francis in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Mr. Kelly was a man of many roles. He was a supportive, loving husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was a friend to many. You could often catch him eating lunch #13 off the menu at Ping's Chinese Palace in Silver City, his favorite place to eat. Mr. Kelly was a devoted catholic, and served as a lector and Eucharistic minister with Our Lady of Fatima parish in Bayard NM. Mr. Kelly was a Miner with Chino Mines Co. He was a licensed funeral director graduated from the Dallas Institute of funeral services in 1986. He loved New Mexico and served Grant County, first a law enforcement officer for Grant County Sheriff's office in the 1970's. A City counselor in Bayard NM and Mayor of Bayard NM 1998-2002 and elected again 2010-2018. He served as a Grant County commissioner and served on the board of directors for GRMC.
He was a business owner of a Sears Hometown Store in Silver City. We especially want to honor him for his Service to our Country, Navy Vietnam Veteran. He was a life member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 358, life member of Veteran's of foreign Wars Post 3347, member of Marine Corps League Gaffney-Oglesby Det. RM NM, Knights of Columbus Council 9470, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 2442 Bayard, Past President Fraternal Order of Police 1970's and Cursillista.
He left so many happy memories with us. He lived a life worth celebrating, he will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Frances (Ordoñez) Kelly; his daughters, Melissa Kelly Gonzales (Joseph) of Bayard, NM and Katherine Kelly (Eddie) of Bayard, NM; his sister, Debbie Brown of Crawfordsville, IN; his grandson, Alexzander Dominic Herrera. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca (Francis) White; his brother, Ronald Joe Kelly; his sister Deanna Easterbrook; his best friends, Cleo Lopez and Chon Manzano.
Visitations will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 9:00am-10:00am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, with the Holy Rosary commencing at 10:00am, recited by Belen Montoya. The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima at 11:30am with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. He will be laid to rest at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 1:00pm with Full Military Honors. Pallbearers are Joe Gonzales, Rudy Mesa, Eddie Herrera, Luis Terrazas, Jesse Gonzales, Alexander Herrera. The Honorary Pallbearers are the Fellow Veterans, compadre Claude, Compadre Lucio, Compadre Richard, Long life friends, Rick Moore, Larry Smith, Roger Bell, David Seabolt, Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales and Joey Montoya. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to any Veteran Organization or Our Lady of Fatima Church.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
