Joseph Junior Kelley, 87, of Arkansas City, passed away Saturday evening, January 26, 2019 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield.

Born February 5, 1931 in Arkansas City, Kansas, he was the son of Joseph Elmer and Edna (Maple) Kelley. He was raised and received his education in Arkansas City. Joe entered the United States Army in February 1947, serving during WWII. He received an honorable discharge in October 1947. He then served in the United States Air Force from March 1951 to December 1951.

Joe was united in marriage to Betty June McKibben on January 7, 1948 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Arkansas City for several years, before living in Winfield for 60 years. Joe worked for the Winfield Fire Department for 22 ½ years, retiring as Fire Captain. Following retirement, he worked for a local body shop doing vehicle body work.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #10. He enjoyed dancing, camping, shuffleboard, and pool. He especially loved to fish and spend time with his friends and family. Joe loved to tell jokes and laugh and was so friendly.

His family includes his wife Betty of Arkansas City; his children, Wynona Diedrich and husband, John of Kaw City, OK; Sherry Aguinaga and husband, Jake of Arkansas City; Allen Kelley and wife, Dawn of Winfield; his sisters, Juanita Warren of Stigler, OK; Judy Gordy of Shawnee; Vera Miller of Ponca City, OK; Glenda Womack and husband, Stan of Arkansas City; Charlotte Anhe of Shawnee; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Patricia Tracy, Hazel Fanning, and Sharon Pappan, brother Calvin Foster, and great grandson, Chase Archer.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Joe's name for St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.