Walter Miles Kelly

Walter Miles Kelly passed away peacefully with family around him on April 14, 2024 after his battle with AL Amyloidosis. He was born in Dorris, California, on February 8,1950 to Byard and Betty (Hogan) Kelly.

After high school, Walt was drafted into the Army in 1969 and served two tours in Vietnam.  During that time, he drove heavy machinery which led to his life-long career as a semi-truck driver.  He drove long-haul routes for most of his career. This took him through 49 of the 50 states over the years. 

Walt loved hunting, fishing, camping, and anything that involved being out in the woods. Riding Harley motorcycles was his passion. He put a lot of miles on his bikes over the years; his latest Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic has over 76,000 miles. Walt would take a ride to the coast and back just to have lunch. One weekend he rode 1200 miles to Reno for a BBQ cookoff and all-over northern California. He was a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) and served as the Road Captain. He did a lot of volunteer work for the Senior Center delivering Meals on Wheels. He was also a deacon at the Baptist Church on Homedale. Walt was a natural-born jokester, had a gift of storytelling, putting a smile on peoples’ faces, and never met a stranger.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Wesemann), his brother Pat (Joani) Kelly, their sons Sean and David Kelly, daughter Julie (Mario) Cobian from Irrigon, OR, his son Jason (Kelli) Kelly and daughter Jennifer Kelly of Middletown, OH, and his stepdaughter Sherry (Ron) Milligan. His grandchildren Max, Owian, and Addison Kelly of Middletown, OH, Logan and Levi Cobian of Irrigon, OR., Tanner (Tamar) Taylor of Boring, OR, Josh (Samantha) Milligan, Chester, VA.  His great grandchildren Ethan, Karson, Hayden Milligan, Amaya, Bentley, Macklin, Maverick, and Huxley Taylor. He was preceded in death by his dad and mom, his nephew Bryan Kelly, and many motorcycle brethren.

He has many friends; his BFF was Jack Hoggarth, motorcycle riding buddies, Bob and Terri Wheeler, Marion Hastings, Vic Downer, Randy Travis, Larry Hayes, and the members of the CMA family.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2pm at Baptist Church on Homedale.

Memorial donations may be made to Heart of Hospice Foundation.