David F. "Dave" Kelly

David F. “Dave” Kelly, 89, of Karns City, went to be with the Lord late Wednesday evening, June 21, 2023 in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving family.

David was born in Bruin on March 13, 1934.  He was the son of the late Henry and Esther Bowser Kelly.

He was a 1952 graduate of Bruin High School and was a U.S. Army veteran.  He had been employed at Armco in Butler as a machinist, retiring in 1996 following 40 years of service.  He was a long time active member of the Karns City United Methodist Church, having served on nearly all church committees and quietly worked around the church fixing up and helping out wherever he could.  He enjoyed nature and walks in the woods, scrapping junk, most especially around old oil leases.  Dave had a special gift of connecting with many types of pets and animals.  He most especially loved numerous “faithful dog companions” throughout the years and they all adored him.

Dave is survived by his wife, Dorothy E. “Dottie” Klugh Kelly, whom he married at the Karns City United Methodist Church on March 16, 1956.  Also surviving is a son, Kevin R. Kelly and his wife, Sheree, of Bruin; a daughter, Cindy L. Byers and her husband, Mike, of Karns City; four grandchildren, Travis E. Kelly of Chicora, Tessa M. File and her husband, Mark of Karns City, Michaila G. Byers of Long Island, NY, and Cassandra L. Swasey and her husband, Jim, of Cranberry Twp.; five great grandchildren, Shaylin, Adelin, David, Dax, and Emma; his step grandchildren, Melanie Everetts and her husband, Rob, of Chicora and Timothy Risinger of Butler; three step great grandchildren, Alex, Miranda, and Brayden; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William J. “Jim” and Mae Klugh of Sugar Grove, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeremy D. Kelly, his brother, William Kelly, a sister, Marian Jack; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Dorothy Klugh, as well as a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Interment will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia.  Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to The Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd., Renfrew, PA 16053.  Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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