Matthew Kelley

Matthew Bryan Kelley was born February 26, 1981, in Cheverly, Maryland to parents Timothy and Teresa Wright Kelley. He was baptized December 27, 1981, at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church in Springfield, Virginia by the Rev. Martin. In 6th grade, he was confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Rockwall, Texas.

Matt received the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts, played soccer and baseball in his youth, and basketball for Rockwall High School. He played saxophone in band and won in state competition.

Matthew proudly served his country in the United State Air Force from 2000 to 2004 in the Medical Operations Squadron as a Physical Therapy Journeyman, helping wounded veterans with their severe injuries. It was rewarding to see them walk again.

He attended Auburn University while stationed in Alabama and graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, where he met his wife.

On July 10, 2010, Matt was united in marriage with Christy Eilers at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Texas by the Rev. Paul Bohot.

Matt worked in physical therapy for both children and in nursing homes. He was a Program Director of Rehabilitation for 12 years.

Matthew's priority was his family which he loved deeply. His witty sense of humor and contagious laugh ensured he never met a stranger.

He entered his heavenly home on February 5, 2024, at his home in Spring surrounded by family at the age of 42 after a battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents Weldon Wright, Norman & June Kelley, grandparents-in-law Barney & Joyce Eilers and Roger & LeVerne Hinze.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Kelley; children Seth Wade (12), Luke Timothy (7), and Ava Ann (5) Kelley of Spring; parents Teresa & Timothy Kelley of Rockwall; grandmother Catherine Wright of Lorton, Virginia; brother and sister-in-law Kevin & Nina Kelley of Murphy; sister and brother-in-law Michelle & Chase Uvodich of Lake Forest, California; parents-in-law Wade & Nancy Eilers of Carmine; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Clint & Stacy Eilers of Shelby; nieces and nephews Kate, Jill, and Tess Eilers, and Lillian and Grayson Kelley.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 15 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service being held at 6:30 pm. Funeral service will be at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine on Friday February 16 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor David Tinker officiating. Burial will follow at Carmine Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Martin Luther Lutheran Church Sunday School, PO Box 362; Carmine, TX 78932 or charity of your choice.  An educational fund has been set up at Carmine State Bank in memory of Matt.  Please forward donations to:  Kelley Educational Fund, Carmine State Bank, P.O. Box 341, Carmine, TX  78932.                                                                                                                                                          

Service arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham, TX 77833. To view Matt's tribute online, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.