Mark Edward Kelley

Mark Edward Kelley was born in Anderson, Indiana on November 20, 1950, and passed away February 17, 2025, surrounded by loving members of his family and his dear friend, Vicki L. Hodges, at The Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas. Mark is the son of the late Kathyleen Bell (Ford) Kelley and is survived by his identical twin daughters, Heather Michelle Kelley and Brooke Rachelle Bell and his sons, Seth Graham Kelley and Heath Emerson Kelley. Mark will furthermore be missed by his eight beautiful grandchildren: Heather’s children Christopher Kelley-Wilson, Monica Kelley-Wilson, and Anthony Montgomery; Brooke’s daughter, Tamara Alexis Bell; Seth’s children Emma Jo Kelley and Graham Patrick Kelley; and Heath’s children, Brittany Kelley and Pierce Kelley. Also deeply impacted by this loss are Heather’s husband Jeremy Montgomery and Seth’s wife Kellie Jo Kelley. Mark leaves behind one sister, Debra Sisson, and a huge following of groovy bandmates and bandies who loved him dearly. Mark was an avid drummer and spent his life playing for local bands such as Wrinkled Rapsody, Decoy, The Big Mo Band, Mo Brothers, Lectric Liz and the Livewires, The Livewires, The Fabulous Hightops, The Weekenders Band, Ransom, We Be Jammin,’ and The Sunnyland Blues Brothers. Mark could be seen over the years rocking out at venues such as Chester’s, Tony C’s, Crazy Horse Saloon, George’s Majestic Lounge, Restaurant on the Corner, On the Mark, Arsaga’s, Foghorns, Jose’s, Shirley’s, the Red Door and the Tontitown Winery, to name a few. Mark also played it up at Bikes, Blues, and BBQ and loved being on the road, traveling on tour as far as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, Tulsa, and closer to home at The Bayou in Rogers, Arkansas, Eureka Live in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and at Legends in Jane, Missouri. For a time, Mark got folks fired up at the Prairie Grove First United Methodist Church with his drumming and softer side, masterfully playing the congas and chimes. Mark also gave his time and skill to play at fundraisers such as The Botanical Gardens of The Ozarks and Cowboys for Hospice. Mark spent twenty-two years at Butterfield Trail Village from the opening day as a driver and after, five years at Hope Cancer Resource. Mark’s years at Butterfield Trail Village made a difference to the older folks that he often called “kids,” as he built a rapport and a friendship with them while taking care of their needs with patience, humor, and integrity. Mark was a hard worker who valued honesty and commitment, and those values were evident with the dedication to and from the people he served for over two decades. Mark had a gentle soul that loved all the artistic things in life – art, music, the written word, and classic automobiles. Mark had a deep love for his family, a heart for animals, enjoyed creating hip band names, and valued a good banter around politics. Mark was often reserved and reflective, though also knew when to break the tension by letting out a wry one-line zinger that was clever and delivered right on time. Mark would often refer himself as “Bonehead” because of his goofy, silly, fun-loving personality. Mark’s identical twin daughters lovingly refer to him as “Daddo,” and his grandchildren would say he was the coolest “Granddaddo” ever! Mark’s Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and the details of the venue are still being decided. If you would like to attend or have any photos, videos, and stories you’d like to share with the family, please feel free to email at grooviestdaddo@gmail.com. Mark, the famous “Daddo,” will always be missed. May his drums be heard in heaven and live in our hearts forever. We love you Daddo!

Mark Edward Kelley

November 20, 1950 - February 17, 2025