C. Michael Kelly

C. Michael “Sonny” Kelly, 72, of Decatur, passed away, Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Medi-Lodge Assisted Living in Kalamazoo. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur, with Rev. Rick Blumenberg officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Church of God-St. Joseph or Southwest Michigan DeColores Ministries. Those wishing to sign Mike’s Memory Book online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Mike was born June 5, 1945 in Benton Harbor to Mike & Ruth (Brant) Kelly. He graduated from Berrien Springs High School, Class of 1964 and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University in 1986. On April 10, 1965 he married the former Rebecca Mainard in Decatur. Mike was employed at Paramont Die Cast in Stevensville for 18 years until they closed. In 1987, he began his career as a teacher with the Hartford Public Schools, retiring after twenty years. Mike was a member of the First Church of God in St. Joseph & Southwest Michigan DeColores Ministries. Mike lead an active life as secretary/treasurer of Decatur-Hamilton Fire Department, past president of the Decatur Jaycees, Hartford Lions Club where he served on the board of directors, Decatur Boy Scout Troop and served the Decatur Ambulance Service for 10 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs & Bears fan and enjoyed fishing. Mike is survived by his son Michael L. Kelly of Decatur; his daughter Beverly Kelly of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren-Leola Rhienhart, Rebecca Kelly, Kyle (Courtney) Kelly & Tiffany Kelly; three great-grandchildren-Ryan & Jonathan Kelly & Truly Gonzalez; his brother Frank (Cookie) Kelly of Tabor, Iowa; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Becky on November 12, 1999; and his brother Daniel in 2015.