Carter D. Kelley's Obituary
In loving memory of Carter D. Kelley, Escondido, California, who passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 84, surrounded by family.
He was born on February 15, 1939 in Iowa City, Iowa, the only child of Kathryn and Emory Kelley, and nephew of Alice and Mary Lou Kelley.
For fifteen years he was a 3rd generation owner of Kelley Cleaners in Iowa City, Iowa.
Carter served two years in the Army in Korea as a dog handler.
In 1979 Carter and his family moved to Escondido, California where he resided until his death.
Carter was an Investment Broker and retired from Morgan Stanley after a 25 year career. He was a Rotary Club member in Iowa and California. Carter loved to read and play golf.
During his career and after retirement, he whisked Dee off on many cruises and travels. He cheered on his grandsons and granddaughter at sporting events, school assemblies and graduations. He shared a love of baseball with oldest grandson Nikolas and even sent Nik to a baseball camp. Carter and 2nd grandson Jesse shared a love of art, especially when Jesse's sculpture was on display at a prominent art studio.
Carter loved telling the story about taking 3rd grandson Copelan to a Padres game and watching Copelan work the crowd for pizza, popcorn and hotdogs.
With his granddaughter Brianna he shared a love of basketball, as he enjoyed playing it himself as a young man. And Carter (Ggpa) shared plenty of cuddly hugs with Great-Granddaughter Lily.
Carter was always willing to try something new and loved all things fast and adventurous. He Sky-Dived, Zip-Lined, Hand-Fed Crocodiles and even raced a Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche. He even became ordained as a Minister to marry first Grandson Nik and Nadia. Carter met everyone with a firm handshake and a smile. Ladies would receive a genuine compliment about their beauty. He made you laugh, leaving an impression that will last forever.
Carter is survived by his wife of 58 yrs, Dee, Son and Daughter-in-law, Christopher & Heather and their children, Copelan and Brianna. Daughter, KC and her sons Jesse and Nikolas his wife Nadia and their child Lillian. Brother-in-law, Charles and his wife Madeleine and their family and Sister-in-law, Denise and her family.
Family and friends are invited to a "Celebration of Carter's Life", to be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Kelley home. Please RSVP to KC Kelley or Dee Kelley.
In lieu of flowers, donations to an animal rescue organization of your choice would be welcome.
What’s your fondest memory of Carter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carter?
Share a story where Carter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carter you’ll never forget.
How did Carter make you smile?